1
00:00:02,070 --> 00:00:04,653
(cock crowing)

2
00:00:05,560 --> 00:00:07,370
- [Narrator] The following
program may contain

3
00:00:07,370 --> 00:00:09,283
strong language and brief nudity.

4
00:00:10,310 --> 00:00:11,770
But don't get your hopes up.

5
00:00:11,770 --> 00:00:14,863
After all, this is public-access TV.

6
00:00:16,428 --> 00:00:19,011
(upbeat music)

7
00:00:30,754 --> 00:00:32,685
- [Dave] Gene and Dave Show.

8
00:00:32,685 --> 00:00:35,268
(upbeat music)

9
00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:49,350
- I'm Gene.

10
00:00:49,350 --> 00:00:51,020
- And I'm Dave.

11
00:00:51,020 --> 00:00:51,960
- And we're the

12
00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:54,320
- Gene and Dave Show.

13
00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:57,750
- Welcome to another episode
of The Gene and Dave Show.

14
00:00:57,750 --> 00:01:02,220
This episode is all about,
Know Your Resources,

15
00:01:02,220 --> 00:01:03,693
particularly here in Austin.

16
00:01:04,630 --> 00:01:07,110
We're here today with Celia Hughes,

17
00:01:07,110 --> 00:01:11,700
the executive director of Art Spark Texas.

18
00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:16,000
We should also mention that
Art Spark is a proud sponsor

19
00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:17,623
of The Gene and Dave Show.

20
00:01:19,700 --> 00:01:24,700
We recently did a show with
Art Spark called Disruption.

21
00:01:24,920 --> 00:01:26,240
And of course, you can see that

22
00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:29,443
on The Gene and Dave Show web page.

23
00:01:32,090 --> 00:01:35,520
- Celia was instrumental in
getting that episode set up

24
00:01:35,520 --> 00:01:37,670
and connecting us with the right people.

25
00:01:37,670 --> 00:01:39,870
So, thank you very much
for doing that, Celia.

26
00:01:39,870 --> 00:01:40,843
- You're welcome.

27
00:01:41,977 --> 00:01:45,690
- In fact, Celia we would
like to know a little bit more

28
00:01:45,690 --> 00:01:47,930
about Art Spark.

29
00:01:47,930 --> 00:01:52,143
So generally speaking, what is Art Spark?

30
00:01:52,990 --> 00:01:56,700
- It's a non-profit organization,

31
00:01:56,700 --> 00:02:01,700
that covers between art
and advocacy and education,

32
00:02:03,870 --> 00:02:08,870
that fits squarely into
the disability rights,

33
00:02:10,030 --> 00:02:14,980
disability service, whatever
you want to call it, movement.

34
00:02:14,980 --> 00:02:17,680
We've been around Austin since 1996

35
00:02:19,470 --> 00:02:21,623
under several different names, of course.

36
00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:25,500
We started as Access Arts Austin,

37
00:02:25,500 --> 00:02:28,410
where we provided audio description.

38
00:02:28,410 --> 00:02:33,170
We then became VSA Arts
of Texas, VSA Texas,

39
00:02:33,170 --> 00:02:38,170
and now, last year, a year ago,

40
00:02:38,240 --> 00:02:42,600
we adopted the new name
of Arts Spark Texas,

41
00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:45,400
which means sparking the
creative in everyone.

42
00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:48,180
So yes, Gene, even you.

43
00:02:48,180 --> 00:02:52,810
We can even help you find
your creative bent. (laughs)

44
00:02:52,810 --> 00:02:55,120
- There's hope for me after all.

45
00:02:55,120 --> 00:02:56,210
- There is hope.

46
00:02:56,210 --> 00:03:01,210
A little tiny sliver, but
yes, there is a hope. (laughs)

47
00:03:01,348 --> 00:03:03,490
- And Art Spark is there
to help you find it.

48
00:03:03,490 --> 00:03:05,110
Boy, what a (indistinct).

49
00:03:05,110 --> 00:03:09,426
- Absolutely, even if we have
to use an excavating machine.

50
00:03:09,426 --> 00:03:10,790
(laughing)

51
00:03:10,790 --> 00:03:13,930
- Well, I know that there's a
lot of different moving parts

52
00:03:13,930 --> 00:03:15,310
to Art Spark.

53
00:03:15,310 --> 00:03:17,920
And you guys do all kinds of things

54
00:03:17,920 --> 00:03:21,440
and offer so many services.

55
00:03:21,440 --> 00:03:26,440
A second ago you mentioned
that you do audio description.

56
00:03:26,440 --> 00:03:29,450
Can you tell us a little bit about

57
00:03:29,450 --> 00:03:31,000
what audio description is?

58
00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:34,513
And then, what other services
does Art Spark provide?

59
00:03:35,920 --> 00:03:38,930
- Audio description is
the verbal translation

60
00:03:38,930 --> 00:03:41,290
of visual information.

61
00:03:41,290 --> 00:03:43,570
So, we started doing it in the theaters,

62
00:03:43,570 --> 00:03:47,010
going to the theaters and
describing visual elements,

63
00:03:47,010 --> 00:03:50,390
actions, costume, to people who are blind

64
00:03:50,390 --> 00:03:52,120
or have low vision.

65
00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:55,470
And now, it's pretty much
everywhere in everything.

66
00:03:55,470 --> 00:03:58,630
We do a lot of educational videos,

67
00:03:58,630 --> 00:04:02,070
educational content, doing...

68
00:04:02,070 --> 00:04:06,020
And it's really now
serving people with autism

69
00:04:06,020 --> 00:04:08,740
and people who are driving in their cars

70
00:04:08,740 --> 00:04:10,260
who want to watch a movie,

71
00:04:10,260 --> 00:04:12,150
will turn on the audio description,

72
00:04:12,150 --> 00:04:13,530
so they don't have to...

73
00:04:13,530 --> 00:04:15,060
We don't we don't recommend that,

74
00:04:15,060 --> 00:04:17,010
but we know that people are doing that.

75
00:04:18,317 --> 00:04:21,610
So, that's what we've
been doing since 1996.

76
00:04:21,610 --> 00:04:23,410
We've been doing it for a long time.

77
00:04:25,030 --> 00:04:27,630
We have a very robust veterans' program.

78
00:04:27,630 --> 00:04:30,760
We've been working with
veterans since 2009,

79
00:04:30,760 --> 00:04:35,040
and have now just signed contracts to work

80
00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:40,040
in VA hospitals in Houston,
San Antonio, and Temple.

81
00:04:40,930 --> 00:04:43,010
And we've been working
in Austin for a while,

82
00:04:43,010 --> 00:04:46,150
so we're very happy with
the work that we're doing

83
00:04:46,150 --> 00:04:47,630
with our veterans.

84
00:04:47,630 --> 00:04:52,630
We have an integrated dance
company called Body Shift,

85
00:04:52,630 --> 00:04:57,200
where we offer bi-weekly classes.

86
00:04:57,200 --> 00:05:00,773
We've been doing them
online now since April.

87
00:05:04,140 --> 00:05:07,880
We were invited to present
around the around the country

88
00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:09,270
with our integrated dance.

89
00:05:09,270 --> 00:05:14,270
We're really considered to be
one of the premier initiatives

90
00:05:14,830 --> 00:05:16,923
in the country with integrated dance.

91
00:05:19,310 --> 00:05:21,410
We do a new, we call it New Media Arts.

92
00:05:21,410 --> 00:05:25,860
It's working with
high-school-aged kids and older,

93
00:05:25,860 --> 00:05:30,860
in technology and helping people learn

94
00:05:31,020 --> 00:05:33,270
the ins and outs of technology,

95
00:05:33,270 --> 00:05:35,710
hoping to launch a podcast.

96
00:05:35,710 --> 00:05:38,620
We've been doing a lot of
research looking at a podcast now,

97
00:05:38,620 --> 00:05:42,250
that would be run by our youth.

98
00:05:42,250 --> 00:05:43,800
We work with older adults.

99
00:05:43,800 --> 00:05:45,930
We have a program called Mobile Art,

100
00:05:45,930 --> 00:05:50,930
where we take art into
older adults, 65 and older,

101
00:05:52,410 --> 00:05:57,410
into their homes, into the
city of Austin facilities,

102
00:05:57,750 --> 00:06:01,180
into senior activity centers.

103
00:06:02,690 --> 00:06:05,640
- And you're still able to do
that with the COVID situation

104
00:06:05,640 --> 00:06:06,800
that we're in?
- We put it online.

105
00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:09,288
We're doing it all online.

106
00:06:09,288 --> 00:06:14,288
We mail instructions and
materials to individuals.

107
00:06:15,450 --> 00:06:19,000
And then once a week, well,
it's actually once every

108
00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:22,710
it's every other week, we
have a group phone call,

109
00:06:22,710 --> 00:06:24,380
and people call in.

110
00:06:24,380 --> 00:06:29,380
And that is more about
combating isolation.

111
00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:33,560
So, they're not actually doing
art together on the phone.

112
00:06:33,560 --> 00:06:36,280
They're just talking, and
talking about the art,

113
00:06:36,280 --> 00:06:39,260
and learning a little bit
about the master artist

114
00:06:39,260 --> 00:06:42,700
that was presented during the lesson.

115
00:06:42,700 --> 00:06:45,693
And so yeah, we've been very successful.

116
00:06:45,693 --> 00:06:48,700
We partner with Family Eldercare on that,

117
00:06:48,700 --> 00:06:53,270
and they tell us that we are
the most successful program

118
00:06:53,270 --> 00:06:56,033
that they've taken online,
and so that's nice.

119
00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:03,120
- So, you'd be a teacher
of other programs,

120
00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:06,610
how to do this successfully.

121
00:07:06,610 --> 00:07:07,540
- Right.

122
00:07:07,540 --> 00:07:10,520
We've done some how-to videos,

123
00:07:10,520 --> 00:07:14,400
and all of our videos are
on our YouTube channel.

124
00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:17,393
We have our own channel, Art Spark, Texas.

125
00:07:18,357 --> 00:07:22,650
Then, we try to model how
to do an inclusive video,

126
00:07:22,650 --> 00:07:27,100
in terms of, we provide
captioning on everything we do

127
00:07:27,100 --> 00:07:30,550
and our teachers say what they're doing

128
00:07:30,550 --> 00:07:31,739
when they're doing it,

129
00:07:31,739 --> 00:07:36,739
so that we build audio description
into the actual lesson.

130
00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:41,250
So, we try (glitch) and
we've done some presentations

131
00:07:41,250 --> 00:07:45,250
and some webinars over
the past five months

132
00:07:45,250 --> 00:07:50,130
on how to make your online
videos more accessible.

133
00:07:50,130 --> 00:07:54,630
And I just got contacted
by a national organization,

134
00:07:54,630 --> 00:07:56,160
I don't know all the letters,

135
00:07:56,160 --> 00:08:00,630
that work with agents and producers

136
00:08:00,630 --> 00:08:04,130
and performing arts
facilities to be on a panel,

137
00:08:04,130 --> 00:08:07,880
a national panel on accessibility

138
00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:10,320
in performing arts in particular

139
00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:15,320
and how to make your virtual
environment accessible.

140
00:08:15,445 --> 00:08:16,930
- Oh, you hear that Dave?

141
00:08:16,930 --> 00:08:19,338
We know someone really important.

142
00:08:19,338 --> 00:08:20,171
- We do.

143
00:08:20,171 --> 00:08:22,650
- Well, let me do the presentation,

144
00:08:22,650 --> 00:08:27,650
and see if they don't turn
off my camera. (laughs)

145
00:08:28,210 --> 00:08:31,250
- Celia, you mentioned
some senior programs.

146
00:08:31,250 --> 00:08:33,070
And then, you work with kids too.

147
00:08:33,070 --> 00:08:36,040
So, what age range are we talking about?

148
00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:39,183
- Well, we don't work with really young.

149
00:08:40,050 --> 00:08:43,670
We do our cut off at
age 16, and then older.

150
00:08:43,670 --> 00:08:45,217
So, it's 16 and up.

151
00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:50,710
We found when we first started doing this,

152
00:08:50,710 --> 00:08:52,620
and we were working with younger children,

153
00:08:52,620 --> 00:08:56,020
that we couldn't maintain
what we felt was of safe

154
00:08:56,020 --> 00:08:58,920
adult to child ratio.

155
00:08:58,920 --> 00:09:02,980
And we also felt that there
are programs out there

156
00:09:02,980 --> 00:09:06,220
for young kids through their schools.

157
00:09:06,220 --> 00:09:08,390
It's like when you get older,

158
00:09:08,390 --> 00:09:10,740
when you are transitioning out of school

159
00:09:10,740 --> 00:09:13,690
and when there's nothing
out there for you.

160
00:09:13,690 --> 00:09:18,690
And so, we began to just say
16 was pretty much our cut off.

161
00:09:20,620 --> 00:09:23,743
We will go a little
younger, we've gone to 14.

162
00:09:25,460 --> 00:09:27,630
But that has its own issues,

163
00:09:27,630 --> 00:09:30,310
'cause there's a big
difference between 14 and 16

164
00:09:31,380 --> 00:09:34,220
in developmental age.

165
00:09:34,220 --> 00:09:35,053
- I see.

166
00:09:35,053 --> 00:09:36,640
- But we do older adults.

167
00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:38,690
We work with people that are in their 90s

168
00:09:39,970 --> 00:09:41,520
through our Mobile Art program.

169
00:09:44,040 --> 00:09:44,873
- Great.

170
00:09:46,050 --> 00:09:47,210
- So, we've got all these,

171
00:09:47,210 --> 00:09:50,450
you offer all these things
to many different clients

172
00:09:50,450 --> 00:09:54,123
from dancing and art projects.

173
00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:59,420
That's gotta be expensive
for the client, right?

174
00:09:59,420 --> 00:10:02,233
I mean, what does it cost
me to be able to participate

175
00:10:02,233 --> 00:10:03,583
in one of those art events?

176
00:10:04,610 --> 00:10:06,523
- Just about everything we do is free.

177
00:10:07,900 --> 00:10:11,400
Our dance classes are a sliding scale.

178
00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:16,400
We ask people to donate
between $5 and $20 for a class,

179
00:10:16,510 --> 00:10:20,313
but we don't turn anyone away
if they can't afford that.

180
00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:27,400
And we sometimes charge like
$10, between $10 and $25,

181
00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:32,580
'cause we find that people
put more value on something

182
00:10:32,580 --> 00:10:34,370
if they've paid a little bit for it.

183
00:10:34,370 --> 00:10:37,183
And they're more likely to attend,

184
00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:40,010
if they've paid a little something for it.

185
00:10:40,010 --> 00:10:44,133
So, we play it by ear, but
we don't turn anyone away.

186
00:10:46,769 --> 00:10:49,410
I spend a lot of my time writing grants

187
00:10:49,410 --> 00:10:53,600
and entering into contracts
with people fee-for-service

188
00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:57,300
to provide some sort of
a program for someone

189
00:11:00,190 --> 00:11:02,030
in order to make it free.

190
00:11:02,030 --> 00:11:04,130
Because, we work with people

191
00:11:04,130 --> 00:11:07,130
who don't have a lot of disposable income.

192
00:11:07,130 --> 00:11:10,703
And we have to make
sure that we honor that.

193
00:11:11,967 --> 00:11:13,673
- And you do this statewide?

194
00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:18,700
- We are statewide, and we have
found through this pandemic,

195
00:11:18,700 --> 00:11:23,430
that we are reaching a
larger group of people

196
00:11:23,430 --> 00:11:25,930
outside of the state, that
we have had a hard time...

197
00:11:25,930 --> 00:11:27,803
I mean, outside of Austin.

198
00:11:28,810 --> 00:11:31,500
We've always been
statewide, because of the

199
00:11:31,500 --> 00:11:34,960
when we were a VSA, we
were federally funded,

200
00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:38,950
and with that came a
mandate that we had to be

201
00:11:38,950 --> 00:11:43,950
in 51% of our congressional districts.

202
00:11:44,180 --> 00:11:46,313
And in Texas, that's a lot.

203
00:11:47,670 --> 00:11:49,600
So, we've always worked
really, really hard

204
00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:51,220
to try to be statewide.

205
00:11:51,220 --> 00:11:54,393
We've traveled a lot, done
workshops around the state.

206
00:11:55,240 --> 00:11:57,750
And we're not under that mandate anymore,

207
00:11:57,750 --> 00:12:01,920
but we've really got, because
we spent all that time,

208
00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:04,260
we've got some really nice relationships

209
00:12:04,260 --> 00:12:08,690
with organizations and
people all around the state.

210
00:12:08,690 --> 00:12:13,110
So like our open mic, we
do an inclusive open mic.

211
00:12:13,110 --> 00:12:16,913
We're in our fifth year,
maybe even in our sixth year.

212
00:12:17,860 --> 00:12:19,490
It's called Lion and Pirate,

213
00:12:19,490 --> 00:12:23,360
'cause we do it at the
Malvern Books here in Austin.

214
00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:28,360
And they have a plaster of
a pirate that hangs down

215
00:12:28,700 --> 00:12:30,940
from the ceiling behind the desk.

216
00:12:30,940 --> 00:12:33,660
And then, they have a bronze lion

217
00:12:33,660 --> 00:12:35,550
that greets you at the door.

218
00:12:35,550 --> 00:12:38,583
So, we just called it the
Lion and Pirate open mic.

219
00:12:40,538 --> 00:12:42,700
So, we took that online in April,

220
00:12:42,700 --> 00:12:46,900
and we've now got people
coming in from out of state

221
00:12:46,900 --> 00:12:48,660
to join our open mic.

222
00:12:48,660 --> 00:12:51,540
So, very excited about that.

223
00:12:51,540 --> 00:12:52,810
- So, to participate in that,

224
00:12:52,810 --> 00:12:55,276
you don't have to talk
like a pirate, right?

225
00:12:55,276 --> 00:12:56,109
Arrr!

226
00:12:56,109 --> 00:13:00,000
- No. (laughs)

227
00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:03,067
No, you don't. (laughs)

228
00:13:03,067 --> 00:13:04,180
- Although, I think if
you look real close,

229
00:13:04,180 --> 00:13:05,623
you'll find a treasure chest.

230
00:13:05,623 --> 00:13:08,511
It's behind Gene there in the other beach.

231
00:13:08,511 --> 00:13:12,390
- Well, if we could ever
get Gene out of the Caymans,

232
00:13:12,390 --> 00:13:16,584
maybe we could get him to
do some work again. (laughs)

233
00:13:16,584 --> 00:13:18,460
- I'm working at home.

234
00:13:20,319 --> 00:13:21,989
- Oh, you live in the Caymans now?

235
00:13:21,989 --> 00:13:23,322
- Yeah, yeah.

236
00:13:23,322 --> 00:13:24,155
- Okay.

237
00:13:25,327 --> 00:13:27,272
- I'm on my porch here.

238
00:13:27,272 --> 00:13:28,793
- (laughs) Okay.

239
00:13:28,793 --> 00:13:32,520
- So, speaking of working at home Celia,

240
00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:36,670
how would you or Art Spark of Texas,

241
00:13:36,670 --> 00:13:41,543
been able to adjust in
this COVID pandemic?

242
00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:47,037
- Well, we've adjusted pretty
much like everybody else has.

243
00:13:47,037 --> 00:13:50,050
So, everybody's working from home.

244
00:13:50,050 --> 00:13:54,920
Our offices were locked
on March 13th, still are.

245
00:13:55,790 --> 00:13:57,563
The building is still locked.

246
00:13:59,010 --> 00:14:00,830
You're allowed in if you have a key.

247
00:14:00,830 --> 00:14:04,770
So, I go into the office about every

248
00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:08,200
I go at least once a week,
sometimes more than that.

249
00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:10,173
April comes in about once a week.

250
00:14:11,060 --> 00:14:14,120
Because the week of spring break,

251
00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:17,540
which was the week after
our building was locked,

252
00:14:17,540 --> 00:14:22,503
we were scheduled to take
all of our files online.

253
00:14:24,020 --> 00:14:26,520
We're launching Texas Stories part two.

254
00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:28,940
We did Texas Stories this summer.

255
00:14:28,940 --> 00:14:31,700
It was an eight week series.

256
00:14:31,700 --> 00:14:33,270
It was an educational series,

257
00:14:33,270 --> 00:14:36,140
but we ended up having
children as young as eight

258
00:14:36,140 --> 00:14:40,500
and adults in their late 60s attend.

259
00:14:40,500 --> 00:14:43,010
And it's talking about
different Texas cultures

260
00:14:43,010 --> 00:14:46,820
and Texas people that
folks might not know about.

261
00:14:46,820 --> 00:14:50,170
And then tied, there's
always an art project

262
00:14:50,170 --> 00:14:52,830
that's tied to that individual.

263
00:14:52,830 --> 00:14:55,430
And we bring in guest speakers every week.

264
00:14:55,430 --> 00:14:57,390
And so, we're bringing that back.

265
00:14:57,390 --> 00:14:59,600
We've got eight new shows

266
00:14:59,600 --> 00:15:01,923
that we're gonna be
launching in September.

267
00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:07,280
It's gonna be fun.

268
00:15:07,280 --> 00:15:09,330
We've done, there's
community conversations,

269
00:15:09,330 --> 00:15:11,320
which is every other Wednesday night,

270
00:15:11,320 --> 00:15:13,560
and we feature artists
and things like that.

271
00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:16,270
We should talk to you folks.

272
00:15:16,270 --> 00:15:18,120
That's been very popular.

273
00:15:18,120 --> 00:15:22,680
And in September, on September 20th,

274
00:15:22,680 --> 00:15:26,960
is our annual Artist of the Year Awards.

275
00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:29,100
And, so we're virtual this year.

276
00:15:29,100 --> 00:15:31,750
We've got some fun things planned.

277
00:15:31,750 --> 00:15:34,670
And here live on air, I'm going to say

278
00:15:34,670 --> 00:15:39,670
that the staff has requested
that The Gene and Dave

279
00:15:40,300 --> 00:15:41,513
be our emcees.

280
00:15:42,821 --> 00:15:43,843
- Oh, excellent.

281
00:15:45,200 --> 00:15:48,330
- So I'm formally inviting
you and asking you

282
00:15:48,330 --> 00:15:53,037
if you would serve as our
emcees for the September 20th

283
00:15:54,590 --> 00:15:56,993
Artist of the Year annual celebration.

284
00:15:57,998 --> 00:16:00,157
- Well, it would be honor.

285
00:16:00,157 --> 00:16:02,020
- Terrific. Great.

286
00:16:02,020 --> 00:16:02,853
So, we'll talk.

287
00:16:02,853 --> 00:16:04,280
We've got some fun things planned.

288
00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:09,150
And so, that'll be a
nice event in September.

289
00:16:09,150 --> 00:16:13,860
We just signed a contract with
the VA hospital in Temple.

290
00:16:13,860 --> 00:16:18,040
We're launching a whole series of classes

291
00:16:18,040 --> 00:16:21,290
for veterans, art classes.

292
00:16:21,290 --> 00:16:23,970
We've got a music class we're starting.

293
00:16:23,970 --> 00:16:27,500
We're gonna be working
with the Amphibian theater

294
00:16:27,500 --> 00:16:29,990
out of Fort Worth to do a theater,

295
00:16:29,990 --> 00:16:32,663
a Shakespeare project called De-Cruit,

296
00:16:34,070 --> 00:16:35,763
as opposed to recruit.

297
00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:40,730
And it works with veterans,
'cause Columbia...

298
00:16:40,730 --> 00:16:43,753
No, NYU, I think it's NYU.

299
00:16:44,650 --> 00:16:45,810
It might be Columbia.

300
00:16:45,810 --> 00:16:47,633
I probably should have done my work.

301
00:16:49,067 --> 00:16:52,410
Have done a long brain research

302
00:16:52,410 --> 00:16:57,410
and they have determined that
the way that Shakespeare,

303
00:16:57,670 --> 00:17:01,920
the language of Shakespeare
makes you breathe

304
00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:03,493
in a different way.

305
00:17:04,540 --> 00:17:07,770
And so, they have done research to show

306
00:17:07,770 --> 00:17:12,770
that veterans and individuals
brains before and after

307
00:17:14,420 --> 00:17:19,420
have changed (laughs) through
de-stress and deprogramming

308
00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:27,840
to try to help veterans get
their boots back on the ground

309
00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:29,460
here in civilian life.

310
00:17:29,460 --> 00:17:30,890
So, we're excited about that.

311
00:17:30,890 --> 00:17:32,540
We're gonna be working with that.

312
00:17:34,830 --> 00:17:38,100
And rumor has it that
we're going to be doing

313
00:17:38,100 --> 00:17:42,440
a 20th anniversary of Actual Lives.

314
00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,740
So, I'm just gonna put that out there.

315
00:17:44,740 --> 00:17:48,157
Rumor has it, it hasn't
really coalesced yet,

316
00:17:48,157 --> 00:17:53,157
but they're (glitch) rumors
are stirring. (laughs)

317
00:17:53,968 --> 00:17:55,760
- Excellent.

318
00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:57,410
We'll be looking forward to that.

319
00:17:58,260 --> 00:18:02,240
Well Celia, we want to
thank you for your time,

320
00:18:02,240 --> 00:18:05,038
and you've been a big
help to us over the years.

321
00:18:05,038 --> 00:18:06,313
- My pleasure.

322
00:18:07,830 --> 00:18:08,740
- Excellent.

323
00:18:08,740 --> 00:18:13,740
We look forward to another
20 years of being together.

324
00:18:13,820 --> 00:18:15,890
- All right, sounds good.

325
00:18:15,890 --> 00:18:16,940
- Take care.

326
00:18:16,940 --> 00:18:18,550
- All righty, bye-bye.
- Thanks Celia.

327
00:18:18,550 --> 00:18:19,437
- Bye-bye.

328
00:18:22,527 --> 00:18:25,194
(phone ringing)

329
00:18:28,131 --> 00:18:30,750
- All right, that was great.

330
00:18:30,750 --> 00:18:34,592
Let's find another place to crank call.

331
00:18:34,592 --> 00:18:35,592
- All right.

332
00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:41,493
Oh, how about this place, Easterseals?

333
00:18:42,780 --> 00:18:43,710
- Oh, Easterseals.

334
00:18:43,710 --> 00:18:46,030
Okay, good one. Good choice.

335
00:18:46,030 --> 00:18:48,697
(phone ringing)

336
00:18:50,470 --> 00:18:52,580
- Hello, Easterseals.

337
00:18:52,580 --> 00:18:56,520
- Yeah, we'd like to buy an Easter seal.

338
00:18:56,520 --> 00:18:57,980
- Pardon me?

339
00:18:57,980 --> 00:19:00,630
- Yeah, a seal.

340
00:19:00,630 --> 00:19:03,363
We would like to buy an Easter seal.

341
00:19:04,800 --> 00:19:06,860
- Yeah, no, no.

342
00:19:06,860 --> 00:19:09,836
We don't have that kind of seal.

343
00:19:09,836 --> 00:19:13,310
- Well, what about a Christmas seal,

344
00:19:13,310 --> 00:19:16,653
or how much for a baby seal?

345
00:19:19,450 --> 00:19:20,840
- No, no, no, no.

346
00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:22,180
I think you're mistaken.

347
00:19:22,180 --> 00:19:24,313
We don't have those kind of seals.

348
00:19:25,520 --> 00:19:28,123
- What about a Navy SEAL?

349
00:19:30,700 --> 00:19:33,740
- Listen, Easterseals is just our name.

350
00:19:33,740 --> 00:19:37,230
We don't have seals or
any other animals here.

351
00:19:37,230 --> 00:19:38,830
Our name is Easterseals.

352
00:19:38,830 --> 00:19:39,863
It's all one word.

353
00:19:40,780 --> 00:19:45,100
- Well, if you don't have
seals, what do you have?

354
00:19:45,100 --> 00:19:49,810
- Well, Easterseals is a
private, non-profit organization,

355
00:19:49,810 --> 00:19:52,800
that provides services to seniors

356
00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:55,050
and people with disabilities.

357
00:19:55,050 --> 00:19:57,980
- You provide equipment and services

358
00:19:57,980 --> 00:20:01,293
to seniors and people with disabilities?

359
00:20:02,479 --> 00:20:03,593
- Absolutely.

360
00:20:04,780 --> 00:20:06,590
- What about equipment and services

361
00:20:06,590 --> 00:20:09,960
to seniors with disabilities?

362
00:20:09,960 --> 00:20:11,910
- Yes, we have all kinds of programs

363
00:20:11,910 --> 00:20:15,340
that serve seniors, people
with disabilities and others.

364
00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:16,173
You know what?

365
00:20:16,173 --> 00:20:18,200
Why don't I send someone
over to your office,

366
00:20:18,200 --> 00:20:20,130
and they'll tell you
all about Easterseals,

367
00:20:20,130 --> 00:20:21,670
our programs and services,

368
00:20:21,670 --> 00:20:23,620
and how we help people with disabilities

369
00:20:23,620 --> 00:20:25,193
to live more independent lives.

370
00:20:26,530 --> 00:20:27,810
- [Dave] That sounds super.

371
00:20:27,810 --> 00:20:29,060
Looking forward to it.

372
00:20:29,060 --> 00:20:29,893
- Awesome.

373
00:20:32,449 --> 00:20:33,282
(laughs)

374
00:20:33,282 --> 00:20:35,620
- So Laura, you're with Easterseals.

375
00:20:35,620 --> 00:20:37,167
- I am with Easterseals.

376
00:20:37,167 --> 00:20:39,470
- And I learned something
incredible the other day.

377
00:20:39,470 --> 00:20:40,410
- What's that?

378
00:20:40,410 --> 00:20:45,128
- I learned that Easterseals
has nothing to do with seals.

379
00:20:45,128 --> 00:20:46,500
It's just a name.

380
00:20:46,500 --> 00:20:48,419
- No, we don't have
anything to do with seals.

381
00:20:48,419 --> 00:20:49,830
It is our name.

382
00:20:49,830 --> 00:20:51,658
- Okay, Easterseals.
- Easterseals.

383
00:20:51,658 --> 00:20:55,060
- But, you have everything
to do with people

384
00:20:55,060 --> 00:20:57,080
with disabilities and seniors.

385
00:20:57,080 --> 00:20:57,913
- We do.

386
00:20:57,913 --> 00:20:59,009
- With all the benefits

387
00:20:59,009 --> 00:20:59,842
- Yes.

388
00:20:59,842 --> 00:21:03,730
- So, what kind of things,
what services or programs

389
00:21:03,730 --> 00:21:05,460
do you provide for folks?

390
00:21:05,460 --> 00:21:06,293
- Sure.

391
00:21:06,293 --> 00:21:08,980
We have a wide variety of services

392
00:21:08,980 --> 00:21:11,810
that we make available to
individuals with disabilities.

393
00:21:11,810 --> 00:21:15,727
And yes, to your point, our
kind of catch phrase is,

394
00:21:15,727 --> 00:21:20,307
"Our services are offered to
everyone from birth to death."

395
00:21:21,185 --> 00:21:22,584
- "From birth to earth."

396
00:21:22,584 --> 00:21:23,417
- "From birth to earth."

397
00:21:23,417 --> 00:21:25,430
I like that even better, yes. (laughs)

398
00:21:25,430 --> 00:21:28,650
And so, one of our largest,

399
00:21:28,650 --> 00:21:31,120
and probably one of the services
we're most well known for

400
00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:34,940
is our Early Childhood
Intervention, referred to as ECI.

401
00:21:34,940 --> 00:21:38,020
And this is a program where
therapists go into the homes

402
00:21:38,020 --> 00:21:41,580
of families who have little
ones ages zero to three,

403
00:21:41,580 --> 00:21:45,380
possibly up to age five, with
some of our other funding,

404
00:21:45,380 --> 00:21:48,160
bringing in therapy such
as physical therapy,

405
00:21:48,160 --> 00:21:52,120
occupational therapy and
speech therapy, primarily.

406
00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:54,681
And so, these therapists
work with the little ones

407
00:21:54,681 --> 00:21:56,430
and helping them make sure

408
00:21:56,430 --> 00:21:58,900
that they're staying on
track developmentally.

409
00:21:58,900 --> 00:22:01,060
And they're highly trained.

410
00:22:01,060 --> 00:22:04,220
We have several bilingual therapists

411
00:22:04,220 --> 00:22:06,690
for those families who need that.

412
00:22:06,690 --> 00:22:07,650
And then along with that,

413
00:22:07,650 --> 00:22:10,410
we have a parenting educator program

414
00:22:10,410 --> 00:22:12,320
to work with the families

415
00:22:12,320 --> 00:22:14,030
to make sure that those
parents have access

416
00:22:14,030 --> 00:22:16,180
to whatever resources they may need

417
00:22:16,180 --> 00:22:17,840
outside of what Easterseals provides.

418
00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:20,240
So, that's a really great
program that we offer.

419
00:22:21,230 --> 00:22:26,187
- Now, is this all in Austin,
or you go outside of Austin?

420
00:22:26,187 --> 00:22:28,073
- We go outside of Austin.

421
00:22:28,073 --> 00:22:30,980
Right now, we're predominantly
Easterseals, Central Texas,

422
00:22:30,980 --> 00:22:34,160
but we're very much in a growth pattern.

423
00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:39,140
So, we are geographically
expanding to North Texas,

424
00:22:39,140 --> 00:22:42,795
the valley and over the
next year to who knows?

425
00:22:42,795 --> 00:22:45,950
We're aggressively expanding our programs.

426
00:22:45,950 --> 00:22:48,400
So, for right now,

427
00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:50,170
predominantly in the Central Texas region,

428
00:22:50,170 --> 00:22:52,930
I think we have about a
15,16 county territory

429
00:22:52,930 --> 00:22:55,433
that we're serving, but it's growing.

430
00:22:55,433 --> 00:22:59,387
- And where does Easterseals
get its money from?

431
00:22:59,387 --> 00:23:00,940
- Well, ECI for instance,

432
00:23:00,940 --> 00:23:02,880
is primarily a Medicaid billing program.

433
00:23:02,880 --> 00:23:05,733
So, we would bill Medicaid
for those services.

434
00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:09,310
We have some fee-for-service programs.

435
00:23:09,310 --> 00:23:11,590
So, one of the programs that is in my area

436
00:23:11,590 --> 00:23:12,780
is an employment program.

437
00:23:12,780 --> 00:23:14,740
And we work really closely with

438
00:23:14,740 --> 00:23:17,650
the Texas Workforce Commission
Vocational Rehabilitation.

439
00:23:17,650 --> 00:23:18,670
So, it's a fee-for-service

440
00:23:18,670 --> 00:23:20,360
where we're delivering job placements,

441
00:23:20,360 --> 00:23:21,950
job readiness training to individuals

442
00:23:21,950 --> 00:23:24,240
who are sponsored
through vocational rehab,

443
00:23:24,240 --> 00:23:25,970
and we get paid that way.

444
00:23:25,970 --> 00:23:27,530
We have some foundation grants.

445
00:23:27,530 --> 00:23:31,080
We have Travis County and City of Austin

446
00:23:31,080 --> 00:23:34,690
and State of Texas funding.

447
00:23:34,690 --> 00:23:36,960
And then, another program of ours

448
00:23:36,960 --> 00:23:39,100
is called Paid Job Training.

449
00:23:39,100 --> 00:23:41,070
And we have several contracts,

450
00:23:41,070 --> 00:23:43,170
where we're doing lawn and landscape.

451
00:23:43,170 --> 00:23:45,129
And what's really great
about that program--

452
00:23:45,129 --> 00:23:46,590
- You're doing lawn and landscape?

453
00:23:46,590 --> 00:23:48,690
- Lawn and landscape.
- Really?

454
00:23:48,690 --> 00:23:52,880
- We mow the grass at
several city properties,

455
00:23:54,670 --> 00:23:56,860
both in the City of
Austin, down in San Marcos,

456
00:23:56,860 --> 00:23:58,580
as well as the Round Rock areas.

457
00:23:58,580 --> 00:24:00,780
And then we have some private

458
00:24:00,780 --> 00:24:02,530
lawn and landscaping contracts.

459
00:24:02,530 --> 00:24:06,370
And that program is a
transitional employment program

460
00:24:07,640 --> 00:24:09,560
serving individuals with disabilities,

461
00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:13,390
many of whom also have
experienced incarceration.

462
00:24:13,390 --> 00:24:16,363
And so, we're doing some
re-entry services with them.

463
00:24:18,149 --> 00:24:20,670
We have a licensed counselor
who works with that group,

464
00:24:20,670 --> 00:24:22,990
and kind of helps navigate their return

465
00:24:22,990 --> 00:24:25,830
into life outside of prison

466
00:24:25,830 --> 00:24:29,010
and trying to get back
on a career pathway,

467
00:24:29,010 --> 00:24:31,810
whether that's within
our lawn and landscaping

468
00:24:31,810 --> 00:24:33,290
for a long period of time,

469
00:24:33,290 --> 00:24:35,330
or more as a transitional employment,

470
00:24:35,330 --> 00:24:37,720
and then helping prepare
them for other jobs

471
00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:39,770
past that time with us.

472
00:24:39,770 --> 00:24:43,280
- Well, I read something on your web page.

473
00:24:43,280 --> 00:24:45,591
I mean, it seems like
you're just scratching

474
00:24:45,591 --> 00:24:47,910
the surface there.

475
00:24:47,910 --> 00:24:51,787
I understand you do so
much more with the infants

476
00:24:54,293 --> 00:24:57,683
and then seniors.

477
00:24:58,760 --> 00:25:01,980
- We have an audiology
program, where essentially...

478
00:25:01,980 --> 00:25:04,190
We have one audiologist,

479
00:25:04,190 --> 00:25:08,280
and she sees dozens of people every day.

480
00:25:08,280 --> 00:25:11,610
And we're connecting them with
services to get hearing aids.

481
00:25:11,610 --> 00:25:14,120
And just in my time with Easterseals,

482
00:25:14,120 --> 00:25:16,920
I wasn't fully aware of the need

483
00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:21,344
for audiology and hearing
aids in our communities.

484
00:25:21,344 --> 00:25:22,243
- What?

485
00:25:22,243 --> 00:25:24,844
- (laughs) I'll connect
you with (murmurs).

486
00:25:24,844 --> 00:25:26,240
- Okay.

487
00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:29,180
- So, it's a great service that we offer.

488
00:25:29,180 --> 00:25:31,700
And many, many people
take advantage of that.

489
00:25:31,700 --> 00:25:36,285
And that's also a Medicaid
billing service that we offer.

490
00:25:36,285 --> 00:25:40,520
- And then you also have
the, well, I call it the,

491
00:25:40,520 --> 00:25:42,490
well, the wheelchair fitness center.

492
00:25:42,490 --> 00:25:43,660
- Yeah, we call it the life center.

493
00:25:43,660 --> 00:25:45,290
- The life center?
- Yeah, exactly.

494
00:25:45,290 --> 00:25:49,050
- You've got all wheelchair-accessible,
workout machines.

495
00:25:49,050 --> 00:25:54,050
And I've come here a number
of times and worked out there.

496
00:25:55,620 --> 00:25:59,023
And I think it's one of
Austin's best kept secrets.

497
00:25:59,970 --> 00:26:03,700
Anyone in a wheelchair can
come in here, and it's free.

498
00:26:03,700 --> 00:26:04,940
- Yes, it is.

499
00:26:04,940 --> 00:26:06,043
- It's unbelievable.

500
00:26:06,900 --> 00:26:07,733
- Yeah.

501
00:26:07,733 --> 00:26:09,670
And in addition to all of
that specialized equipment

502
00:26:09,670 --> 00:26:13,490
that's fully adapted, we have
very specialized trainers,

503
00:26:13,490 --> 00:26:15,010
who individuals can work with,

504
00:26:15,010 --> 00:26:17,440
so that they can develop
their workout routines

505
00:26:17,440 --> 00:26:22,440
and stay safe, and truly
experience some valuable workouts

506
00:26:23,117 --> 00:26:24,740
that will bring them the goals

507
00:26:24,740 --> 00:26:26,130
that they're trying to achieve

508
00:26:26,130 --> 00:26:29,180
in terms of their physical
fitness, exercise,

509
00:26:29,180 --> 00:26:33,090
maybe progressing in some way
from an injury or an illness.

510
00:26:33,090 --> 00:26:34,500
And our trainers are excellent.

511
00:26:34,500 --> 00:26:36,440
And yes, it's all free.

512
00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:37,273
- Fantastic.

513
00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:43,960
Do you provide equipment like
wheelchairs or hospital beds?

514
00:26:45,950 --> 00:26:48,690
- We don't directly, but
we certainly would...

515
00:26:48,690 --> 00:26:52,700
Anyone who comes in has access
to a service coordinator,

516
00:26:52,700 --> 00:26:56,500
and they're there to help those
individuals, those families,

517
00:26:56,500 --> 00:26:59,070
connect with other
resources in our community

518
00:26:59,070 --> 00:27:01,690
that Easterseals doesn't provide directly,

519
00:27:01,690 --> 00:27:04,390
but fully knowledgeable of
all the different resources

520
00:27:04,390 --> 00:27:08,181
in town that folks could have
access to in and might need.

521
00:27:08,181 --> 00:27:10,792
- So, if someone needs some,

522
00:27:10,792 --> 00:27:13,397
particularly someone with a
disability needs something,

523
00:27:13,397 --> 00:27:15,660
the least they can do is call you

524
00:27:15,660 --> 00:27:17,250
and get started from there.

525
00:27:17,250 --> 00:27:18,083
- Yeah.

526
00:27:18,990 --> 00:27:21,609
- And how will they reach you, Laura?

527
00:27:21,609 --> 00:27:23,530
Will they call you directly,
or just a main number--

528
00:27:23,530 --> 00:27:25,770
- No, they would just call our main number

529
00:27:25,770 --> 00:27:29,700
which is 512-615-6800.

530
00:27:32,220 --> 00:27:34,280
And that individual who answers the phone

531
00:27:34,280 --> 00:27:36,368
can help direct them to
any of the departments

532
00:27:36,368 --> 00:27:40,133
and service coordinators,
depending on what their needs are.

533
00:27:41,068 --> 00:27:43,060
- And your webpage address?

534
00:27:43,060 --> 00:27:45,757
- Is eastersealscentraltexas.org.

535
00:27:47,578 --> 00:27:48,720
- Well, that's a long one.

536
00:27:48,720 --> 00:27:49,553
- It is a long one.

537
00:27:49,553 --> 00:27:51,137
- But, it should be easy to remember.

538
00:27:51,137 --> 00:27:51,970
- Yeah.

539
00:27:51,970 --> 00:27:54,527
- Eastersealscentraltexas.com

540
00:27:54,527 --> 00:27:55,360
- .org.

541
00:27:55,360 --> 00:27:56,230
- .org.
- Yes.

542
00:27:56,230 --> 00:27:57,063
- Excuse me.

543
00:27:58,575 --> 00:28:00,517
Do you have a Facebook?

544
00:28:00,517 --> 00:28:01,360
- We do, yeah.

545
00:28:01,360 --> 00:28:03,670
Just find us and like us on Facebook,

546
00:28:03,670 --> 00:28:05,470
Easterseals Central Texas.

547
00:28:05,470 --> 00:28:07,220
We put a ton of information out there.

548
00:28:07,220 --> 00:28:10,090
Our current events, ways to support us,

549
00:28:10,090 --> 00:28:13,123
either through volunteering or donating,

550
00:28:14,100 --> 00:28:15,800
whatever kind of things we have going on.

551
00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:17,270
And we do a lot of different things.

552
00:28:17,270 --> 00:28:21,110
So, our Facebook page is a
great way to hear about us.

553
00:28:21,110 --> 00:28:21,943
- That's fantastic.

554
00:28:21,943 --> 00:28:22,793
It's good to hear.

555
00:28:23,830 --> 00:28:26,410
What about the chairman who had...

556
00:28:26,410 --> 00:28:27,610
I heard he was a bit--

557
00:28:27,610 --> 00:28:29,366
- We should probably
talk about that later.

558
00:28:29,366 --> 00:28:30,560
- Okay.

559
00:28:30,560 --> 00:28:31,860
All right, folks.

560
00:28:31,860 --> 00:28:35,640
Well, tell you what, if you
need some equipment services,

561
00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:39,310
give Laura a call, or at
least give Easterseals a call,

562
00:28:39,310 --> 00:28:41,310
and they'll see if they can hook you up.

563
00:28:42,160 --> 00:28:43,020
Thank you, Laura.

564
00:28:43,020 --> 00:28:44,090
Appreciate your help.
- Thank you, Gene.

565
00:28:44,090 --> 00:28:45,320
Appreciate you talking to me.

566
00:28:45,320 --> 00:28:46,153
- You bet you.

567
00:28:47,830 --> 00:28:50,830
So yeah, that was David Schneider

568
00:28:50,830 --> 00:28:55,830
and our friend Laura
Griebel with Easterseals.

569
00:28:55,961 --> 00:29:00,260
And we know Laura from way
back, from Actual Lives,

570
00:29:00,260 --> 00:29:02,420
some 20 years ago.

571
00:29:02,420 --> 00:29:05,143
So it was good, catching up with them.

572
00:29:06,050 --> 00:29:09,460
Next up, we have John Meinkowsky

573
00:29:09,460 --> 00:29:13,763
from another local resource
in Austin called ARCIL.

574
00:29:15,390 --> 00:29:17,223
Let's see what John has to say.

575
00:29:19,250 --> 00:29:22,480
Here we are in ARCIL with John Meinkowsky,

576
00:29:22,480 --> 00:29:25,450
the director of the
Independent Living Services.

577
00:29:25,450 --> 00:29:27,613
John, tell us a little bit about ARCIL.

578
00:29:28,450 --> 00:29:30,930
- ARCIL is a Center
for Independent Living.

579
00:29:30,930 --> 00:29:33,555
We're one of a network of over 400

580
00:29:33,555 --> 00:29:37,620
local non-profit corporations
around the country

581
00:29:37,620 --> 00:29:39,620
that assists people with disabilities

582
00:29:39,620 --> 00:29:41,890
to live more independently.

583
00:29:41,890 --> 00:29:45,560
Independent living defined
as meaningful control

584
00:29:45,560 --> 00:29:48,113
over decisions for their life.

585
00:29:49,890 --> 00:29:54,890
In some cases, that means
decisions about where they live.

586
00:29:55,304 --> 00:29:58,750
But overall, it's about how someone lives.

587
00:29:58,750 --> 00:30:02,070
Being able to make the
decisions that matter

588
00:30:02,070 --> 00:30:03,293
for an individual.

589
00:30:05,840 --> 00:30:09,200
And, so we're birthed in the Austin area.

590
00:30:09,200 --> 00:30:11,550
We have four offices.

591
00:30:11,550 --> 00:30:12,620
We're in South Austin.

592
00:30:12,620 --> 00:30:16,420
The main office is in North
Austin on Cameron Road.

593
00:30:16,420 --> 00:30:19,223
We have offices in Round
Rock and San Marcos also.

594
00:30:20,417 --> 00:30:25,417
- And what ages do you serve
people with disabilities?

595
00:30:25,860 --> 00:30:28,040
- We serve people with
all types of disabilities

596
00:30:28,040 --> 00:30:29,063
and all ages.

597
00:30:30,220 --> 00:30:34,750
So, that goes from children to
people who are octogenarian,

598
00:30:34,750 --> 00:30:36,050
I guess is the right word.

599
00:30:37,230 --> 00:30:41,493
We have no restrictions based on age.

600
00:30:42,820 --> 00:30:44,150
- That's fantastic.

601
00:30:44,150 --> 00:30:47,090
Now, as a Center for Independent Living,

602
00:30:47,090 --> 00:30:51,510
you have certain core values
and services you provide.

603
00:30:51,510 --> 00:30:53,180
Tell us about those, please.

604
00:30:53,180 --> 00:30:55,700
- Well, there are five core services.

605
00:30:55,700 --> 00:30:57,800
Usually, starts with information referral.

606
00:30:58,830 --> 00:31:01,460
That is helping people
understand and connect

607
00:31:01,460 --> 00:31:05,660
to various supports and resources

608
00:31:05,660 --> 00:31:07,133
in a broad range of things.

609
00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:13,470
Housing and transportation and
medical care and insurance,

610
00:31:13,470 --> 00:31:15,740
things like social security benefits,

611
00:31:15,740 --> 00:31:19,133
things like community activities.

612
00:31:21,050 --> 00:31:24,340
A lot of information work
and obviously in conjunction

613
00:31:24,340 --> 00:31:27,690
with any number of other organizations

614
00:31:27,690 --> 00:31:32,480
that help identify and
guide people to resources

615
00:31:32,480 --> 00:31:33,720
in the community.

616
00:31:33,720 --> 00:31:38,720
Second core service is
individual and systems advocacy.

617
00:31:39,170 --> 00:31:42,980
Individual advocacy meaning
helping an individual

618
00:31:42,980 --> 00:31:44,540
work through a situation,

619
00:31:44,540 --> 00:31:48,540
often some type of
bureaucratic process or appeal

620
00:31:48,540 --> 00:31:53,540
related to a service provider
or some type of assistance.

621
00:31:54,300 --> 00:31:58,510
And systems advocacy being
systems change activities,

622
00:31:58,510 --> 00:32:02,950
improving opportunities in
housing and transportation

623
00:32:02,950 --> 00:32:07,950
and medical care and access
to what's in the community.

624
00:32:09,490 --> 00:32:12,340
- And we see you down at the
capital every now and then.

625
00:32:12,340 --> 00:32:13,430
- We do that.

626
00:32:13,430 --> 00:32:15,073
And we have,

627
00:32:17,160 --> 00:32:19,500
it's in our interest and it's our charge

628
00:32:19,500 --> 00:32:23,240
to educate decision makers,
elected and otherwise,

629
00:32:23,240 --> 00:32:27,530
about what people with
disabilities experience

630
00:32:27,530 --> 00:32:28,963
and what their needs are.

631
00:32:31,450 --> 00:32:34,583
Another core service is
independent living skills training.

632
00:32:35,490 --> 00:32:38,910
Independent living skills
training focuses on things

633
00:32:38,910 --> 00:32:41,640
that people normally learn growing up,

634
00:32:41,640 --> 00:32:44,420
but many people with disabilities do not,

635
00:32:44,420 --> 00:32:46,770
or skills that you need,

636
00:32:46,770 --> 00:32:49,420
because you've acquired a disability.

637
00:32:49,420 --> 00:32:53,100
It can be everything from
computers to cooking,

638
00:32:53,100 --> 00:32:55,940
health management type
things, exercise programs,

639
00:32:55,940 --> 00:32:57,603
recreational activities.

640
00:32:59,831 --> 00:33:02,700
Any number of things,
employment related stuff

641
00:33:05,200 --> 00:33:06,860
can be part of independent living skills.

642
00:33:06,860 --> 00:33:09,530
Training, again, each Center
for Independent Living

643
00:33:09,530 --> 00:33:11,060
will have their own thing.

644
00:33:11,060 --> 00:33:16,060
Another core service is what
we refer to as peer support.

645
00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:18,550
And that's, again, a
broad range of things.

646
00:33:18,550 --> 00:33:21,880
Sometimes it's small
group counseling sessions.

647
00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:26,330
Sometimes it's more about
psychological adjustment

648
00:33:26,330 --> 00:33:29,603
to disability, or specific disabilities.

649
00:33:31,550 --> 00:33:35,470
Or just the idea of adjusting
to life in the community

650
00:33:35,470 --> 00:33:36,753
with a disability.

651
00:33:40,651 --> 00:33:42,670
And that's four core services.

652
00:33:42,670 --> 00:33:46,490
The fifth core service is what
they refer to as transition.

653
00:33:46,490 --> 00:33:49,680
And transition actually
means three different things.

654
00:33:49,680 --> 00:33:54,680
First is transition from
childhood to adult life,

655
00:33:55,780 --> 00:33:59,560
making the leap from high
school to what comes after,

656
00:33:59,560 --> 00:34:03,840
whether that means continuing
education or employment,

657
00:34:03,840 --> 00:34:06,903
or seeking a new place to live,

658
00:34:08,600 --> 00:34:10,670
accessing resources and services,

659
00:34:10,670 --> 00:34:14,563
making plans for life beyond high school.

660
00:34:17,230 --> 00:34:21,520
Second part of transition is
transition from institutions

661
00:34:21,520 --> 00:34:23,050
to the community,

662
00:34:23,050 --> 00:34:25,650
helping people gather
supports and resources

663
00:34:25,650 --> 00:34:29,450
and identify what they
need when they choose

664
00:34:29,450 --> 00:34:31,850
to leave a nursing home
or other institutions

665
00:34:31,850 --> 00:34:35,460
and move back into the community,

666
00:34:35,460 --> 00:34:37,100
either with themselves or with family

667
00:34:37,100 --> 00:34:42,100
or any number of different
types of residential options.

668
00:34:44,150 --> 00:34:47,380
And the third transition is,

669
00:34:47,380 --> 00:34:49,573
avoiding institutional placement.

670
00:34:52,690 --> 00:34:57,610
There is identifying risk and
resolving risks, so people...

671
00:34:57,610 --> 00:35:00,740
If somebody is forced to
go into a nursing home

672
00:35:00,740 --> 00:35:02,543
or other type of institution.

673
00:35:04,730 --> 00:35:07,000
So, that's five core services.

674
00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:09,397
- And I remember seeing
somewhere in your web page

675
00:35:09,397 --> 00:35:13,450
something about taking risks.

676
00:35:13,450 --> 00:35:15,240
- Yeah, and that's part of the philosophy.

677
00:35:15,240 --> 00:35:17,180
It's dignity of risk.

678
00:35:17,180 --> 00:35:19,943
It's a philosophy of
having meaningful choices.

679
00:35:20,980 --> 00:35:24,650
I always say that we learn when we fail.

680
00:35:24,650 --> 00:35:28,320
And people with disabilities
can be sheltered from that,

681
00:35:28,320 --> 00:35:31,000
which shelters them from
opportunities to learn.

682
00:35:31,000 --> 00:35:33,470
We're not encouraging people
to do things that are dangerous

683
00:35:33,470 --> 00:35:35,330
or things they don't understand,

684
00:35:35,330 --> 00:35:37,940
we're encouraging people
to live life and go out

685
00:35:37,940 --> 00:35:40,570
into the community and do
the things they want to do.

686
00:35:40,570 --> 00:35:43,930
- Well, I think that's
incredibly important.

687
00:35:43,930 --> 00:35:47,620
The problem more so for
people with disabilities

688
00:35:47,620 --> 00:35:52,200
is otherwise, because we have
a lot more nos in our life.

689
00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:53,900
- Yeah, and a lot more other people

690
00:35:53,900 --> 00:35:56,130
that control what options
are available to us.

691
00:35:56,130 --> 00:35:58,283
And we try to, we push back against that.

692
00:35:59,370 --> 00:36:01,770
- So, John talk about the...

693
00:36:01,770 --> 00:36:05,580
You talked about the five core services

694
00:36:05,580 --> 00:36:07,640
that independent living centers

695
00:36:07,640 --> 00:36:10,283
around the country might provide.

696
00:36:11,810 --> 00:36:14,610
Tell us about ARCIL specifically.

697
00:36:14,610 --> 00:36:15,443
- Okay.

698
00:36:15,443 --> 00:36:18,760
Well, ARCIL and other centers
for independent living

699
00:36:18,760 --> 00:36:23,760
in Texas have a contract with the state

700
00:36:24,680 --> 00:36:26,600
for nursing home transition

701
00:36:26,600 --> 00:36:29,540
that is going to a nursing home,

702
00:36:29,540 --> 00:36:31,510
planning with the people
who are requesting

703
00:36:31,510 --> 00:36:35,683
to have assistance to go
back to the community,

704
00:36:35,683 --> 00:36:38,080
developing resources and supports.

705
00:36:38,080 --> 00:36:41,770
And in many cases, acquiring housing.

706
00:36:41,770 --> 00:36:44,420
Just structuring the things someone needs

707
00:36:45,750 --> 00:36:47,460
to live in the community.

708
00:36:47,460 --> 00:36:49,410
Being able to access transportation,

709
00:36:49,410 --> 00:36:52,540
setting up medical care,

710
00:36:52,540 --> 00:36:55,253
setting up personal care
systems in the home.

711
00:36:58,020 --> 00:37:00,920
They refer to that
program as Home By Choice.

712
00:37:00,920 --> 00:37:03,450
Again, it's a statewide program.

713
00:37:03,450 --> 00:37:05,663
ARCIL's one of the providers in the state.

714
00:37:06,610 --> 00:37:08,360
Another statewide program is called

715
00:37:08,360 --> 00:37:10,670
Independent Living Services.

716
00:37:10,670 --> 00:37:12,570
That is the program where we help people

717
00:37:12,570 --> 00:37:16,450
with the cost of all types
of medical equipment.

718
00:37:16,450 --> 00:37:20,070
So, things that are not
covered by insurance,

719
00:37:20,070 --> 00:37:23,850
or when someone has insurance
but there's a co-pay,

720
00:37:23,850 --> 00:37:25,703
we're able to help with that cost.

721
00:37:27,080 --> 00:37:30,000
A broad range of things,
mobility equipment,

722
00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:33,820
wheelchairs and walkers,
and things like lift chairs

723
00:37:33,820 --> 00:37:34,683
in the home.

724
00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:40,850
Communications equipment,

725
00:37:40,850 --> 00:37:45,450
whether that means note
takers and readers,

726
00:37:45,450 --> 00:37:48,220
but mostly the communication
has to do with hearing aids.

727
00:37:48,220 --> 00:37:50,450
That's a big part of what we do.

728
00:37:50,450 --> 00:37:52,320
That's generally not covered by insurance,

729
00:37:52,320 --> 00:37:56,400
so it's a big cost that
many people can't afford.

730
00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:59,250
So, we're able to help out
with the cost of hearing aids.

731
00:38:00,260 --> 00:38:05,260
Vision related services,
magnification and skills training,

732
00:38:05,270 --> 00:38:07,263
orientation and mobility training,

733
00:38:08,750 --> 00:38:11,430
different types of devices people use,

734
00:38:11,430 --> 00:38:13,243
who are blind or visually impaired.

735
00:38:18,850 --> 00:38:22,020
Well, there's mobility, hearing, vision,

736
00:38:22,020 --> 00:38:25,893
things like home accessibility,
building ramps or grab bars.

737
00:38:28,100 --> 00:38:30,400
And for rural areas,

738
00:38:30,400 --> 00:38:33,530
assistance with the cost
of vehicle modification.

739
00:38:33,530 --> 00:38:38,530
Often meaning putting a lift into a van

740
00:38:38,800 --> 00:38:42,530
or in other cases,
things like hand controls

741
00:38:42,530 --> 00:38:45,900
for somebody who was
paralyzed to go into a vehicle

742
00:38:45,900 --> 00:38:46,993
and be able to drive.

743
00:38:48,010 --> 00:38:52,670
- John, about six months ago,
I had a particular problem.

744
00:38:52,670 --> 00:38:55,820
I was getting pressure sores.

745
00:38:55,820 --> 00:38:58,620
And those are spots in my body,

746
00:38:58,620 --> 00:39:01,500
that I was getting pressure
from the way I was laying

747
00:39:01,500 --> 00:39:05,890
on my mattress and the skin was dying off.

748
00:39:05,890 --> 00:39:10,890
And I really needed a new mattress,

749
00:39:10,933 --> 00:39:15,480
an air mattress that would
prevent these types of problems.

750
00:39:15,480 --> 00:39:19,260
But in my quest for a mattress,

751
00:39:19,260 --> 00:39:21,940
I found one could do the job was about,

752
00:39:21,940 --> 00:39:24,880
I don't know, $30,000 or so.

753
00:39:24,880 --> 00:39:29,053
And I couldn't afford it, my
insurance could afford it.

754
00:39:29,053 --> 00:39:32,427
And I talked to the vendor
of the mattresses and I said,

755
00:39:32,427 --> 00:39:34,293
"Well, where do people go?

756
00:39:34,293 --> 00:39:37,150
What do they do when
they can't afford it?"

757
00:39:37,150 --> 00:39:38,510
And he said, "Where do you live?"

758
00:39:38,510 --> 00:39:41,440
And I said, "Austin, Texas."

759
00:39:41,440 --> 00:39:43,240
He says, "Oh, you're in luck.

760
00:39:43,240 --> 00:39:46,600
Go see John Meinkowsky at ARCIL."

761
00:39:46,600 --> 00:39:49,680
- Well, fortunately, we
didn't have to spend 30,000.

762
00:39:49,680 --> 00:39:51,070
- Yeah, right.

763
00:39:51,070 --> 00:39:53,590
- But yeah, those are that
we just had the mattress

764
00:39:53,590 --> 00:39:55,473
that would go with the bed you had.

765
00:39:56,440 --> 00:39:59,150
Yeah, it's really great that
we're able to help people

766
00:39:59,150 --> 00:40:00,740
with the cost.

767
00:40:00,740 --> 00:40:02,950
That's the kind of
things that keeps people

768
00:40:02,950 --> 00:40:05,180
with disabilities active in the community.

769
00:40:05,180 --> 00:40:07,770
That's the kind of thing that
helps people not be forced

770
00:40:07,770 --> 00:40:09,800
into a nursing home,

771
00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:13,443
because of the cost of medical equipment.

772
00:40:14,490 --> 00:40:17,600
- See, that's one of
the things I never knew

773
00:40:17,600 --> 00:40:20,763
independent living
centers could help with.

774
00:40:21,790 --> 00:40:26,300
If there are people that are
wondering how you can help,

775
00:40:26,300 --> 00:40:29,153
what's the best way
they can contact ARCIL?

776
00:40:30,310 --> 00:40:32,983
- The main phone number is 512-832-6349.

777
00:40:37,590 --> 00:40:39,880
If you tell the reception
what you're interested in,

778
00:40:39,880 --> 00:40:43,670
they'll get you to the
staff person that's most

779
00:40:44,760 --> 00:40:47,940
the best for that issue.

780
00:40:47,940 --> 00:40:51,110
Some people will receive
and work with several staff

781
00:40:51,110 --> 00:40:52,610
in several different programs.

782
00:40:54,501 --> 00:40:59,501
And there's also the website
www.arcil.com, A-R-C-I-L.com

783
00:41:00,960 --> 00:41:05,960
or email to arcil@arcil.com.
A-R-C-I-L at A-R-C-I-L.com.

784
00:41:10,255 --> 00:41:14,160
- So, (indistinct) perhaps
email might be the best way--

785
00:41:14,160 --> 00:41:14,993
- Email is fine.

786
00:41:18,050 --> 00:41:20,360
Well, we could get calls from
relay services all the time.

787
00:41:20,360 --> 00:41:22,923
We get a lot more that's when we use TTY.

788
00:41:23,870 --> 00:41:26,670
There are lots of people
calling through relay services.

789
00:41:27,620 --> 00:41:28,670
That works very well.

790
00:41:29,858 --> 00:41:32,540
I think that's a free
service that people access

791
00:41:32,540 --> 00:41:35,970
if they have difficulty with the phone.

792
00:41:35,970 --> 00:41:36,803
- Fantastic.

793
00:41:36,803 --> 00:41:38,709
- And will also help you get better phones

794
00:41:38,709 --> 00:41:39,980
to meet your needs to,

795
00:41:39,980 --> 00:41:41,970
if it affects something you need to do.

796
00:41:41,970 --> 00:41:43,510
- Wow.

797
00:41:43,510 --> 00:41:45,030
John, is there anything you'd like to add

798
00:41:45,030 --> 00:41:47,573
that people should know about ARCIL?

799
00:41:50,267 --> 00:41:51,230
- Well, we do have

800
00:41:52,220 --> 00:41:54,040
we develop different programs,

801
00:41:54,040 --> 00:41:56,110
and that most centers
for independent living

802
00:41:56,110 --> 00:41:58,830
around the country have their own things.

803
00:41:58,830 --> 00:42:02,440
They may have contracts
or they may do services

804
00:42:02,440 --> 00:42:05,790
that they get paid for to help people out.

805
00:42:05,790 --> 00:42:09,150
So, that's gonna be an individual thing.

806
00:42:09,150 --> 00:42:11,370
In addition to Independent
Living Services,

807
00:42:11,370 --> 00:42:13,730
which is the medical equipment part,

808
00:42:13,730 --> 00:42:15,280
that's available statewide.

809
00:42:15,280 --> 00:42:17,520
Different centers for independent
living around the state

810
00:42:17,520 --> 00:42:18,760
are doing that.

811
00:42:18,760 --> 00:42:23,420
Another statewide program
is the Home By Choice,

812
00:42:23,420 --> 00:42:27,150
which refers to transition
from the nursing home

813
00:42:27,150 --> 00:42:28,393
to a community resident.

814
00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:32,730
We're one of the
contractors in that program.

815
00:42:32,730 --> 00:42:35,310
Someone who chooses to
come out of a nursing home

816
00:42:35,310 --> 00:42:36,730
and get back to the community,

817
00:42:36,730 --> 00:42:39,610
they will work with
directly to develop plans,

818
00:42:39,610 --> 00:42:44,250
they will create access to resources,

819
00:42:44,250 --> 00:42:46,920
setting up personal care assistance,

820
00:42:46,920 --> 00:42:51,260
identifying how to get
medical care, transportation,

821
00:42:51,260 --> 00:42:53,333
peer support, social supports.

822
00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:57,390
And in many cases, identifying housing

823
00:42:57,390 --> 00:43:02,110
that will be affordable and
appropriate for the individual.

824
00:43:02,110 --> 00:43:04,330
So, it's a big chore.

825
00:43:04,330 --> 00:43:08,100
Every year centers for independent
living across the state

826
00:43:08,100 --> 00:43:11,680
help hundreds of people with
disabilities to transition

827
00:43:11,680 --> 00:43:14,353
from nursing homes back
to their communities,

828
00:43:14,353 --> 00:43:15,353
with their families.

829
00:43:16,560 --> 00:43:20,126
- So, you might be someone
wanting to go (murmurs)

830
00:43:20,126 --> 00:43:22,370
looking for accessible housing.

831
00:43:22,370 --> 00:43:23,430
- Well, wait, right.

832
00:43:23,430 --> 00:43:26,120
And that's part of information referral,

833
00:43:26,120 --> 00:43:27,320
that's part of advocacy.

834
00:43:29,647 --> 00:43:31,800
Centers for Independent
Living by definition

835
00:43:31,800 --> 00:43:32,840
are non-residential.

836
00:43:32,840 --> 00:43:34,333
We don't provide housing.

837
00:43:35,760 --> 00:43:36,820
And we're not allowed to,

838
00:43:36,820 --> 00:43:39,840
but we do advocate for
it and we do keep track

839
00:43:39,840 --> 00:43:42,550
of what's out there and
help people understand

840
00:43:42,550 --> 00:43:44,910
and pursue the options available to them.

841
00:43:44,910 --> 00:43:47,670
Affordable housing is a
horrible, horribly huge issue

842
00:43:47,670 --> 00:43:49,420
that nobody is solving.

843
00:43:49,420 --> 00:43:51,830
- Oh, particularly in Austin.

844
00:43:51,830 --> 00:43:54,158
- Not even in Austin.

845
00:43:54,158 --> 00:43:58,020
We're getting people
gentrified in Dripping Springs

846
00:43:58,910 --> 00:44:02,580
that left Austin years ago to
find affordable place to live

847
00:44:02,580 --> 00:44:07,580
and getting gentrified out of
all the smaller communities

848
00:44:07,640 --> 00:44:12,392
throughout the year, but it's nationwide.

849
00:44:12,392 --> 00:44:16,730
- And in attendance
services or referral rather?

850
00:44:16,730 --> 00:44:17,563
- Yeah, sure.

851
00:44:17,563 --> 00:44:20,770
That's all part of information referral.

852
00:44:20,770 --> 00:44:24,540
We can often be helpful with understanding

853
00:44:24,540 --> 00:44:27,330
how people acquire those services.

854
00:44:27,330 --> 00:44:30,620
In many cases looking for
an individual to be hired

855
00:44:32,010 --> 00:44:33,103
to provide that.

856
00:44:35,051 --> 00:44:36,423
- Fantastic.

857
00:44:37,590 --> 00:44:40,508
If you want that
information again on ARCIL,

858
00:44:40,508 --> 00:44:41,341
we've got it at the
bottom of our screen here.

859
00:44:42,950 --> 00:44:45,430
It's also on our summary page.

860
00:44:45,430 --> 00:44:47,253
If you go to The Gene and Dave Show,

861
00:44:48,630 --> 00:44:53,290
just look up the show Know Your Resources,

862
00:44:54,400 --> 00:44:59,400
and you'll find this show
there with all the information.

863
00:45:00,809 --> 00:45:04,763
- Dave, ARCIL really helped
me out when I was in a jam.

864
00:45:06,002 --> 00:45:08,450
I was having some problem
with pressure sores,

865
00:45:08,450 --> 00:45:10,050
and I needed a special bed.

866
00:45:10,050 --> 00:45:12,880
It cost around $3,000.

867
00:45:12,880 --> 00:45:15,170
- Wow, that's a lot for a bed.

868
00:45:15,170 --> 00:45:17,190
- I should say.

869
00:45:17,190 --> 00:45:19,680
And so I called up this one vendor,

870
00:45:19,680 --> 00:45:23,360
he told the price and I said,
"Look, I can't afford it.

871
00:45:23,360 --> 00:45:27,790
You've gotta be working with
other organizations in town.

872
00:45:27,790 --> 00:45:30,390
Who do you know I can
find to help me out?"

873
00:45:30,390 --> 00:45:32,420
And he recommended ARCIL.

874
00:45:32,420 --> 00:45:36,700
So, I contacted John, and John
had me fill out some forms

875
00:45:36,700 --> 00:45:41,260
and they went ahead and bought
me this very expensive bed.

876
00:45:41,260 --> 00:45:43,043
It's been a lifesaver.
- Nice.

877
00:45:45,180 --> 00:45:48,190
- Yeah, so we encourage people out there

878
00:45:48,190 --> 00:45:49,820
to know your resources.

879
00:45:49,820 --> 00:45:54,773
And call ARCIL next time you
got a, have a special need.

880
00:45:56,400 --> 00:45:57,570
Next up, we're gonna visit

881
00:45:57,570 --> 00:46:00,410
the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities

882
00:46:00,410 --> 00:46:03,713
and talk with Dennis Borel
about accessible voting.

883
00:46:07,580 --> 00:46:11,800
We're here today with Dennis Borel at CTD.

884
00:46:11,800 --> 00:46:14,610
Dennis has brought some folks in here

885
00:46:14,610 --> 00:46:18,860
who are developing
accessible voting machines.

886
00:46:18,860 --> 00:46:20,620
Dennis, tell us a little bit more

887
00:46:20,620 --> 00:46:22,113
about what's happening today.

888
00:46:23,200 --> 00:46:25,053
- Well, this is exciting stuff.

889
00:46:26,310 --> 00:46:29,090
The ability to vote is
something very cherished

890
00:46:29,090 --> 00:46:31,570
in our society, cherished by everybody.

891
00:46:31,570 --> 00:46:33,060
But a lot of the old school

892
00:46:33,060 --> 00:46:35,920
voting machines weren't accessible.

893
00:46:35,920 --> 00:46:37,950
That's changed over the last few decades,

894
00:46:37,950 --> 00:46:40,290
and this is now kind of
the next development.

895
00:46:40,290 --> 00:46:41,670
What's really exciting about this,

896
00:46:41,670 --> 00:46:45,680
is this particular
manufacturer is coming to us

897
00:46:45,680 --> 00:46:48,130
actually, as part of the
development of their machines

898
00:46:48,130 --> 00:46:50,660
and actually gonna take feedback

899
00:46:50,660 --> 00:46:53,020
from real voters with disabilities

900
00:46:53,020 --> 00:46:56,840
on how these accessibility
features are gonna work.

901
00:46:56,840 --> 00:47:00,840
- So, they'll take the
feedback that they get today,

902
00:47:00,840 --> 00:47:04,540
perhaps redesign or modify the machines

903
00:47:04,540 --> 00:47:07,530
to make them as accessible as possible?

904
00:47:07,530 --> 00:47:09,300
- Yes, that's right.

905
00:47:09,300 --> 00:47:11,310
And they may also,

906
00:47:11,310 --> 00:47:12,965
another thing they might
get out of this is,

907
00:47:12,965 --> 00:47:16,100
poll workers are gonna
be the people on site

908
00:47:16,100 --> 00:47:17,920
and they'll probably provide them some

909
00:47:17,920 --> 00:47:22,920
perhaps, training materials
from the experiences they had

910
00:47:22,980 --> 00:47:25,460
with voters with disabilities
to let those poll workers know

911
00:47:25,460 --> 00:47:26,920
what they should be doing to,

912
00:47:26,920 --> 00:47:30,340
which is another factor
in accessible voting.

913
00:47:30,340 --> 00:47:35,340
- And CTD is always on the
forefront of integrating

914
00:47:35,680 --> 00:47:38,350
people with disabilities to the community

915
00:47:38,350 --> 00:47:40,960
and getting folks out to vote.

916
00:47:40,960 --> 00:47:44,760
To vote on issues that
bring us all together

917
00:47:44,760 --> 00:47:45,760
is very important.

918
00:47:45,760 --> 00:47:50,710
So, thank you for facilitating
that for us, Dennis.

919
00:47:50,710 --> 00:47:51,543
- Well, you're welcome.

920
00:47:51,543 --> 00:47:52,483
And you're right.

921
00:47:53,460 --> 00:47:55,310
The best way to test for accessibility,

922
00:47:55,310 --> 00:48:00,310
whether it's a building, a
voting machine, a bus, a train,

923
00:48:02,550 --> 00:48:04,980
paratransit, whatever,
getting in the state capital

924
00:48:04,980 --> 00:48:07,760
here in Austin, the best
way to test is actually

925
00:48:07,760 --> 00:48:11,840
a hands-on test for
accessibility and usability,

926
00:48:11,840 --> 00:48:14,590
which is kind of a little bit
of softer technology things

927
00:48:14,590 --> 00:48:16,660
but how it really works
and how people feel

928
00:48:16,660 --> 00:48:19,540
about the accommodations
that are being made.

929
00:48:19,540 --> 00:48:20,533
Thank you, Gene.

930
00:48:22,560 --> 00:48:27,080
- We're still here at
CTD with Steve Stockwell

931
00:48:27,080 --> 00:48:30,090
who's representing InterCivic,

932
00:48:30,090 --> 00:48:33,770
a company that makes
accessible voting machines.

933
00:48:33,770 --> 00:48:35,820
Steve, how long have you been doing this?

934
00:48:36,860 --> 00:48:38,130
- Well, it's a great question.

935
00:48:38,130 --> 00:48:42,000
So, Hart has been in the voting business

936
00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:45,040
in one form or another for over 100 years.

937
00:48:45,040 --> 00:48:48,690
The firm was founded,
I believe it was 1912,

938
00:48:48,690 --> 00:48:51,290
and started off as a
printer, printed ballots

939
00:48:51,290 --> 00:48:54,180
and delivered them in horse-drawn wagons

940
00:48:54,180 --> 00:48:56,323
for local elections around the state.

941
00:48:57,690 --> 00:49:01,270
Well, several years ago,
about 15 or 20 years ago,

942
00:49:01,270 --> 00:49:05,160
the company decided to focus
more on building technology

943
00:49:05,160 --> 00:49:09,700
and has now launched our second generation

944
00:49:09,700 --> 00:49:14,470
of voting machines that are
designed to help people,

945
00:49:14,470 --> 00:49:17,940
well, all voters vote in
an equal, and accessible,

946
00:49:17,940 --> 00:49:19,600
and independent way.

947
00:49:19,600 --> 00:49:23,830
- So, you say these were
designed for everybody.

948
00:49:23,830 --> 00:49:27,290
So, we're talking today about
people with disabilities.

949
00:49:27,290 --> 00:49:30,090
How did you include
the disabled population

950
00:49:31,036 --> 00:49:33,550
in the design of these machines?

951
00:49:33,550 --> 00:49:35,410
- Well, it's a great question.

952
00:49:35,410 --> 00:49:38,160
It begins with certification.

953
00:49:38,160 --> 00:49:41,530
So, voting machines in America
typically are certified

954
00:49:41,530 --> 00:49:42,790
at two levels,

955
00:49:42,790 --> 00:49:46,000
both by the federal government
and by the state government,

956
00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:48,014
in wherever they're sold.

957
00:49:48,014 --> 00:49:50,450
Now, those certification requirements

958
00:49:50,450 --> 00:49:52,360
are not necessarily mandatory.

959
00:49:52,360 --> 00:49:54,962
But for all practical purposes,

960
00:49:54,962 --> 00:49:57,450
all voting machine
manufacturers are gonna go

961
00:49:57,450 --> 00:49:59,830
through the certification
process to make sure

962
00:49:59,830 --> 00:50:02,500
that they meet the minimum
requirements defined

963
00:50:02,500 --> 00:50:05,240
either by the Federal Election
Assistance Commission,

964
00:50:05,240 --> 00:50:07,280
which we refer to as the EAC,

965
00:50:07,280 --> 00:50:11,390
or by the state specific
certification authority,

966
00:50:11,390 --> 00:50:12,800
which in the case of Texas,

967
00:50:12,800 --> 00:50:14,700
is the Secretary of State's Office.

968
00:50:14,700 --> 00:50:17,430
So, each of those levels of certification

969
00:50:17,430 --> 00:50:22,430
include certain accessibility
features and requirements.

970
00:50:22,490 --> 00:50:23,930
But we pride ourselves on the fact

971
00:50:23,930 --> 00:50:25,040
that we don't limit ourselves

972
00:50:25,040 --> 00:50:27,040
to just those certification requirements.

973
00:50:27,040 --> 00:50:28,620
We try to go above and beyond,

974
00:50:28,620 --> 00:50:30,640
which is part of the
reason why we're here today

975
00:50:30,640 --> 00:50:32,260
to make sure that our systems

976
00:50:32,260 --> 00:50:33,890
don't just meet the bare minimum,

977
00:50:33,890 --> 00:50:38,200
but are really voter-friendly
for all voters.

978
00:50:38,200 --> 00:50:42,310
- Steve, what are some of the
features on these machines

979
00:50:42,310 --> 00:50:44,270
that make them accessible?

980
00:50:44,270 --> 00:50:45,740
- Well, there's a long list of them,

981
00:50:45,740 --> 00:50:47,380
so I may not get the whole list right,

982
00:50:47,380 --> 00:50:48,980
but I'll give you some examples.

983
00:50:50,917 --> 00:50:53,393
So, for voters with visual disabilities,

984
00:50:54,970 --> 00:50:59,070
all the devices have Braille instructions

985
00:50:59,070 --> 00:51:01,400
on the devices themselves.

986
00:51:01,400 --> 00:51:04,030
All of the ballot and ballot
instruction information

987
00:51:04,030 --> 00:51:06,490
is available via audio ballot.

988
00:51:06,490 --> 00:51:09,610
So, a voter can listen to
their ballot being read to them

989
00:51:09,610 --> 00:51:13,660
via headphones, and use
the device's controls

990
00:51:13,660 --> 00:51:15,040
to make their selections.

991
00:51:15,040 --> 00:51:17,440
And of course, those audio
ballots are also available

992
00:51:17,440 --> 00:51:19,700
in whatever language that voter

993
00:51:19,700 --> 00:51:21,340
is more Comfortable listening to.

994
00:51:21,340 --> 00:51:23,850
In Texas, that's typically
English and Spanish,

995
00:51:23,850 --> 00:51:26,650
but we can also do that in
many other languages as well.

996
00:51:27,580 --> 00:51:32,490
The devices are set up so that
voters who are in wheelchairs

997
00:51:32,490 --> 00:51:36,880
or have other types of
mobility impairments,

998
00:51:36,880 --> 00:51:40,690
can access the device on a lower level.

999
00:51:40,690 --> 00:51:43,270
The booths are set up so
that they're wide enough

1000
00:51:43,270 --> 00:51:45,863
to accommodate a wheelchair
to come straight into them.

1001
00:51:46,820 --> 00:51:49,300
The scanning devices and the ballot boxes

1002
00:51:49,300 --> 00:51:51,880
for jurisdictions that
vote with a paper ballot

1003
00:51:51,880 --> 00:51:54,540
are set up so that a voter in a wheelchair

1004
00:51:54,540 --> 00:51:57,190
can easily access the
scanner in the ballot box

1005
00:51:57,190 --> 00:51:59,870
without having to stretch or
reach or things like that.

1006
00:51:59,870 --> 00:52:02,823
So, there are many, many
accessibility features.

1007
00:52:04,890 --> 00:52:07,770
Some voters are not completely blind,

1008
00:52:07,770 --> 00:52:10,280
but they may have certain visual needs

1009
00:52:10,280 --> 00:52:12,570
that are slightly
different than most voters.

1010
00:52:12,570 --> 00:52:16,310
So, the screens can be turned
from color to black and white.

1011
00:52:16,310 --> 00:52:19,170
The black and white can be
inversed with a white background

1012
00:52:19,170 --> 00:52:20,380
or a black background.

1013
00:52:20,380 --> 00:52:22,220
The contrast can be changed.

1014
00:52:22,220 --> 00:52:25,463
The font sizes can be
changed, so much larger font.

1015
00:52:26,550 --> 00:52:29,120
And of course the volume can be adjusted

1016
00:52:29,120 --> 00:52:31,130
on the audio ballot as well.

1017
00:52:31,130 --> 00:52:34,790
If a voter is more comfortable
voting with an audio ballot,

1018
00:52:34,790 --> 00:52:37,030
they have the option of turning
the screen off entirely,

1019
00:52:37,030 --> 00:52:40,490
so nobody around them can
see what's on the screen

1020
00:52:40,490 --> 00:52:42,530
while they're listening and voting.

1021
00:52:42,530 --> 00:52:44,760
- Steve, this is all very impressive.

1022
00:52:44,760 --> 00:52:48,050
So, now what we need to do is
get people with disabilities

1023
00:52:50,751 --> 00:52:52,801
to get out to get them out to the voting.

1024
00:52:54,660 --> 00:52:58,120
You know Steve, this
is all very impressive.

1025
00:52:58,120 --> 00:53:01,320
We just need to inform
people with disabilities

1026
00:53:01,320 --> 00:53:04,050
about all the access features you've got,

1027
00:53:04,050 --> 00:53:07,420
so they won't be afraid
to go out to the polling

1028
00:53:07,420 --> 00:53:09,280
the voting places.

1029
00:53:09,280 --> 00:53:10,610
- Totally agree.

1030
00:53:10,610 --> 00:53:13,230
Our goal is to increase
voter participation

1031
00:53:13,230 --> 00:53:16,430
and design these systems
so that voters can vote,

1032
00:53:16,430 --> 00:53:18,380
not only in a way that
accommodates their needs,

1033
00:53:18,380 --> 00:53:21,080
but they can vote
independently and privately

1034
00:53:21,080 --> 00:53:23,320
and have all the same security features

1035
00:53:23,320 --> 00:53:25,910
that every other voter has.

1036
00:53:25,910 --> 00:53:29,080
Our goal is to make it a
completely equal experience.

1037
00:53:29,080 --> 00:53:31,630
One thing we didn't talk
about, but we should mention,

1038
00:53:31,630 --> 00:53:33,200
is curbside voting.

1039
00:53:33,200 --> 00:53:35,670
So, many of our devices are designed,

1040
00:53:35,670 --> 00:53:37,940
so that if a voter for whatever reason

1041
00:53:37,940 --> 00:53:42,250
cannot get out of their car
to go into a polling place,

1042
00:53:42,250 --> 00:53:44,120
a device can be brought to them

1043
00:53:44,120 --> 00:53:46,270
and they can record their vote in the car.

1044
00:53:46,270 --> 00:53:49,840
And either somebody they know and trust,

1045
00:53:49,840 --> 00:53:52,220
or the polling place judge,

1046
00:53:52,220 --> 00:53:55,140
can carry their vote back into the system

1047
00:53:55,140 --> 00:53:57,350
and it gets recorded along
with everybody else's.

1048
00:53:57,350 --> 00:54:02,290
So, the way curbside voting
works from county to county

1049
00:54:02,290 --> 00:54:06,340
tends to vary, because most
election operations are managed

1050
00:54:06,340 --> 00:54:07,490
at the local level.

1051
00:54:07,490 --> 00:54:12,490
So, a voter in West Texas
might have different

1052
00:54:12,570 --> 00:54:14,750
voting experience than
a voter in East Texas.

1053
00:54:14,750 --> 00:54:17,470
But, our systems are
designed to accommodate

1054
00:54:17,470 --> 00:54:19,930
all those different types of voting.

1055
00:54:19,930 --> 00:54:21,530
- Steve, thank you very much.

1056
00:54:21,530 --> 00:54:24,330
Where can we go to get more information

1057
00:54:24,330 --> 00:54:27,590
about the particular machines you've got?

1058
00:54:27,590 --> 00:54:28,423
- Great question.

1059
00:54:28,423 --> 00:54:30,010
We would encourage
anybody who's interested

1060
00:54:30,010 --> 00:54:32,220
to learn about the systems we have,

1061
00:54:32,220 --> 00:54:33,800
including their accessibility features,

1062
00:54:33,800 --> 00:54:37,380
to visit our website, which
is hartintercivic.com.

1063
00:54:37,380 --> 00:54:42,380
Hart is spelled H-A-R-T, so
H-A-R-T-I-N-T-E-R-C-I-V-I-C.com,

1064
00:54:46,090 --> 00:54:47,430
where there's lots of information.

1065
00:54:47,430 --> 00:54:48,980
And we also partner very closely

1066
00:54:48,980 --> 00:54:51,760
with the coalition here, the CTD.

1067
00:54:51,760 --> 00:54:53,920
And they have a lot of
information about our products.

1068
00:54:53,920 --> 00:54:57,600
And, you can certainly send
questions to Chase or Dennis,

1069
00:54:57,600 --> 00:54:59,040
and they'll send them to us as well.

1070
00:54:59,040 --> 00:55:02,430
And we have a very open
line of communication,

1071
00:55:02,430 --> 00:55:05,950
'cause we want to make sure
that everybody who's part of CTD

1072
00:55:05,950 --> 00:55:07,930
and all the community they serve,

1073
00:55:07,930 --> 00:55:10,070
has access to all the information.

1074
00:55:10,070 --> 00:55:11,950
- Steve, you might have heard,

1075
00:55:11,950 --> 00:55:15,790
we have a little election
coming up in November,

1076
00:55:15,790 --> 00:55:19,850
and it's important to a
few people here in Texas.

1077
00:55:19,850 --> 00:55:23,410
So, will we be seeing your machines

1078
00:55:23,410 --> 00:55:25,210
in this upcoming election?

1079
00:55:25,210 --> 00:55:27,250
Will we be using your machines?

1080
00:55:27,250 --> 00:55:28,740
- Well, it depends on where you live.

1081
00:55:28,740 --> 00:55:32,890
But here in Texas, most
registered voters in Texas

1082
00:55:32,890 --> 00:55:35,303
live in a county where
you do have our machines.

1083
00:55:36,140 --> 00:55:39,520
But, we're not the only
voting machine supplier

1084
00:55:39,520 --> 00:55:40,960
to counties in the state.

1085
00:55:40,960 --> 00:55:42,270
So, depending on where you live,

1086
00:55:42,270 --> 00:55:43,770
you might and you might not.

1087
00:55:43,770 --> 00:55:46,370
But the good news is that,

1088
00:55:46,370 --> 00:55:51,230
even our competitors follow
the basic minimum standards

1089
00:55:51,230 --> 00:55:52,530
for accessibility features.

1090
00:55:52,530 --> 00:55:55,290
So, everybody should be
encouraged to go out and vote.

1091
00:55:55,290 --> 00:55:56,950
I completely agree with you.

1092
00:55:56,950 --> 00:55:59,250
It's our goal to maximize
voter participation

1093
00:55:59,250 --> 00:56:01,212
and we would love to...

1094
00:56:01,212 --> 00:56:03,110
Whether you vote on a Hart machine or not,

1095
00:56:03,110 --> 00:56:05,050
we want everyone to get out and vote.

1096
00:56:05,050 --> 00:56:06,500
- Thanks Steve.

1097
00:56:06,500 --> 00:56:09,950
This is Gene signing off
for The Gene and Dave Show.

1098
00:56:09,950 --> 00:56:10,783
Adios.

1099
00:56:13,170 --> 00:56:14,787
Dennis is always on top of things,

1100
00:56:14,787 --> 00:56:17,080
and I'm glad he invited us.

1101
00:56:17,080 --> 00:56:19,680
He also invited Steve Stockwell

1102
00:56:19,680 --> 00:56:24,600
to tell us about the particulars
of these voting machines.

1103
00:56:24,600 --> 00:56:29,600
So, hats off to Steven Stockwell as well.

1104
00:56:30,050 --> 00:56:33,720
Well, that's it for this edition
of The Gene and Dave Show.

1105
00:56:33,720 --> 00:56:34,553
- That's great, Gene.

1106
00:56:34,553 --> 00:56:37,820
And now you don't have excuse
not to go out and vote.

1107
00:56:37,820 --> 00:56:39,460
They got the voting machines and

1108
00:56:41,000 --> 00:56:43,020
just go vote people.

1109
00:56:43,020 --> 00:56:45,612
Vote as if your life depended on it,

1110
00:56:45,612 --> 00:56:47,980
because it does. (laughs)

1111
00:56:47,980 --> 00:56:51,343
- As they say in Chicago,
vote early, vote often.

1112
00:56:53,120 --> 00:56:56,382
Signing off, Gene and Dave Show. So long.

1113
00:56:56,382 --> 00:56:58,925
(indistinct)

1114
00:56:58,925 --> 00:57:02,008
(bouncy piano music)

1115
00:57:34,330 --> 00:57:35,790
- [Advertiser] And can
mom afford to have help

1116
00:57:35,790 --> 00:57:37,560
preparing her meals?

1117
00:57:37,560 --> 00:57:39,860
We know what you're going through.

1118
00:57:39,860 --> 00:57:42,210
Amerigroup has a plan
for people with Medicaid

1119
00:57:42,210 --> 00:57:45,390
that helps them get the services
they need to live at home.

1120
00:57:45,390 --> 00:57:48,020
Amerigroup, choose us for
helping your loved ones

1121
00:57:48,020 --> 00:57:48,960
live at home.

1122
00:57:48,960 --> 00:57:50,807
Call 1-800-964-2777.