August 2000
Dick A. Greco, Mayor
Tampa, Florida

HURRICANE SEASON IS UPON US, BE PREPARED.

Every year at this time we here the warnings, "be prepared" and each year nothing happens. Don't be fooled, keep getting ready because it can happen. Here is a list of things you should do or have if the warning comes: Two weeks supply of medications; Two weeks supply of nonperishable food with a non-electric can opener; A supply of batteries and a weather radio; Full tank of gas in the car, check air in tires; A supply of cash; A plan if you are told to evacuate; Let your friends and relatives know your plans; Take important papers with you; Lock all windows and doors when you leave. If you plan on going to a shelter and have special needs call the County Emergency Center now at 272-6900 to let them know what your special needs are. Remember, just because we haven't been hit by a big storm that it doesn't mean we can't be. So be prepared.

ALLIANCE MEMBERS
TOUR CRUISE SHIP.

Seventy-three members of the Alliance toured the Carnival Line's cruise ship "SENSATION" Sunday, July 16 to review the ship's accessibility. This ship has had several cabins retrofitted to accommodate persons with disabilities and public rooms are accessible. There were some problems in some areas of the ship and Ron Horne, of Carnival, asked that we prepare a list of the problems for the line to review. He did inform the group that the line does have a "special needs desk" to communicate with persons who wish to take a cruise and have special needs. He also informed the group that newer ships will be built with full accommodations. The Federal Appeals Court, in Atlanta, has ruled cruise ships registered abroad must follow the ADA and accommodate passengers who are disabled. Foreign-flag rules exempt cruise ships from some U.S. laws, but the ADA is not one of them, the ruling says.

MAYOR'S ALLIANCE BOARD MEETS

2nd WEDNESDAY
EVERY MONTH, 2pm.
Freedman Tennis Complex
59 Columbus Dr. Davis Island.

EVERYBODY WELCOME.

HELP AVAILABLE
FOR CHOOSING A
WALKING AID.

If you are in need of a device to help you walk or stand do not use someone else's device without getting professional advice on what you need. Experts say using the wrong device can make you less stable on your feet and increase your chance of falling. Two information services are available to help you choose the right device. ABLEDATE, a database that lists many assistive devices can be contacted at 1-800-227-0216. They are at 8455 Colesville Road, #935, Silver Spring MD 20910. Project Link is a free, national information service that mails catalogs and other product information from companies that make or sell assistive products. For information, write to: Project Link, The Center for Assistive Technology, University at Buffalo, 515 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, N.Y. 14214-3079.

HARTLINE TAKES OVER
PARATRANSIT PROGRAM.

HARTPLUS is the new name for the umbrella transportation service for persons with disabilities. HARTAcess will provide door-to-door service for clients for whom bus service is not possible. HARTLink will offer door to bus link service and HARTFlex will provide vans that will run through neighborhoods using the standard 3/4 mile ADA rule to pick up and drop off clients. HARTFlex is only available in the south part of the county at this time. For more information on HARTPLUS call 254-4278.

VACATION TIME RESOURCES.

Because of the ADA travelers who are disabled have been gaining better access to vacation sites. But how can you be certain the places you want to see are accessible, especially those outside of the country. Here is a sampling of travel publications that are for the disabled. Fordor's Great American Vacations for Travelers With Disabilities, not only reviews sites but also lists wheelchair repair shops, available at bookstores. Emerging Horizon, a newsletter that reviews accessible lodgings, including inns and B&B's and also offer vacation ideas. To subscribe call 209-599-9409. Very Special Traveler, a newsletter that gives travel tips and recommendations. Write to P.O.Box 756, New Windsor, MD 21776.

SOUTHERN DEAF SHOWCASE
SEPTEMBER 22-24.

The Friends of the Deaf Service Center will host the first annual Southern Deaf Showcase at the Harborview Center in Clearwater. This event is the first of its type in the Southeastern U.S., featuring deaf/hard of hearing technology, workshops, deaf cultural performances, exhibits and screenings. The three-day event will feature speakers on a variety of topics of interest to those individuals with hearing loss and the people who interact with them. For more information regarding the showcase contact Tom Austin or Julie Church at 727-399-9983.

GET INVOLVED!
JOIN
THE ALLIANCE BOARD.
For more information call
254-1111.

DATES TO REMEMBER

2ND. MON. OF THE MONTH, 7pm, THE MAYOR'S HOUR, live cable telecast on CH-15 Time-Warner in Tampa and Hillsborough County and CH-17 on Adelphia cable. Your chance to ask Mayor Greco a question or express your concern, live in the studio or by phone. To call in a question to the Mayor call 274-8328. To be part of the studio audience call Mindy Snyder at 274-7033. Program repeats on Sundays pm, Mondays at 7pm and Fridays at 3pm.

1ST. MON. EVERY MONTH, 3pm, EMPLOYMENT & JOB FAIR COMMITTEE MEETING, Hilton Hotel Reservation Center, 7920 Woodland Center Blvd. for more info call Cindy Stephens at 984-6840 or KathyMcGlone at 243-7522.

3RD WED. EVERY MONTH, 2:00pm, ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING, Sandy Freedman Tennis Complex 59 Columbus Drive, Davis Island.

3RD TUES. EVERY MONTH, 7pm, FLORIDA COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND, GREATER TAMPA CHAPTER. USF Westside Conference Ctn. Section B.

3RD TUES. EVERY MONTH, 6:30pm, Tampa Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) Group, Jefferson High School.

1ST THUR. EVERY MONTH, THERAPEUTIC FOCUS GROUP, All Peoples Life Center, call 744-5978 for more information.

4TH WED. EVERY MONTH, 2pm, COUNTY ALLIANCE MEETING, Tampa Lighthouse for The Blind, 1106 W. Platt St. For more information call Elizabeth Mueller at 273-3611 or Debra Guest at 871-7878.

3RD TUES. EVERY 3rd MONTH, 2pm, HARTLINE'S PARATRANSIT ADVISORY COUNCIL, Hartline Offices, 4305 East 21st Avenue. For more information contact Vasti Amaro at HARTLINE 623-5835, ext.1171.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Hillsborough County Information Line 272-5900;

Self Reliance Cross Disability Support Group, 975-6560 Bill Renje;

VA Spinal Cord 972-2000 ext 6388 Heather Mahoney;

Brain and Head Injury Support, 908-1375 Bob Barrett;

Multiple Sclerosis Self Help Group, 287-2939 or 800-922-0170;

Statewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities, Inc. (STAND) offering education and resource services to persons with disabilities. 258-5700 Patricia Miller

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) learn about assistive technology 251-7591;

Amputees Together, 870-3323;

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), 935-6540 Ben Ritter; All People's Life Center 6105 East Sligh Avenue (east of 56th St.) fully accessible recreation center.Call Al Orr at 903-2248 for more information.

OFFICERS AND
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Chairperson: Norman Mallory, (813) 988-4985
  Treasurer: Connie Hayden-McPeak, (813) 276-5555
  Secretary: Kelly Hickman, (813) 974-8927
  Past Chairperson: Chuck Porter, (813) 276-2029 ext 7659
  Advocacy and Accessibility Co-chairpersons: Norman Mallory, (813) 988-4985
  Bob Ellis, (813) 974-2002
  Employment Committee Chairperson: Cindy Stephens (813) 984-6840
  Awareness Committee Chairperson: Chuck Porter (813) 276-2029 ext 7659
  Mayor's Representative: Herb Gold, (813) 254-1111

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