11:00:26 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Okay.  Let's do it.
11:00:33 >>:  All right.  Cool.
11:00:34 >>:  Hello.
11:00:38 >>  :  Hi, Todd.
11:00:40 >>:  Hi.
11:00:41 >>  :  Good to see you.
11:00:42 >>:  Yup.
11:00:50 >>  :  I was at the last one, but I didn't think no one knew I was on.
11:00:54 >>  :  I think I saw your name on there.
11:00:55 >>:  Yup.
11:01:00 >>  :  Everybody is in.  Tedra.
11:01:24 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Good morning and welcome to our weekly webinar for supporting people with DD.  And thank you again for joining us.  One of the things that we wanted to have an opportunity to do is really to check-in with folks today.
11:01:32 And just see how things are going since we started up.
11:01:40 We want to bring some information about connecting and more than anything.
11:01:42 We want to know.
11:01:45 About resources that people have found.
11:01:57 So sod we want to take some time to give people an opportunity to share with other people on the line about what you found that works in your community.
11:02:01 What things if you've been able to get help somewhere.
11:02:08 >>  :  Especially as it pertains to mental health resources or emotional health resources.
11:02:20 What we're going to try to do is start to try to create a data base from different places around the state that we can post online.
11:02:27 So that people will be able to access supports in their communities that they may not know about.
11:02:36 And so that's really our plan for today.
11:02:51 The other thing that we there is advocacy going on right now on Capital Hill for the next round of COVID-19 funding to have some disabilities specific funding.
11:03:16 So not just discretionary funds, but funds that are targeted towards disability services and one of the things that will help with that advocacy is stories from people with IDD or family members from people with IDD that we can bring forward to help with the advocacy efforts.
11:03:22 And so if you are willing to share your story with us today.
11:03:35 We will be compiling it in a list of -- you know, we will be compiling that information to send in to Washington to help with the advocacy efforts.
11:03:39 The funding a great need.
11:03:49 Disability specific funding is a great need, especially, for people in our state where we're already seeing some cuts that are going to come down the line.
11:03:59 And so I want to open it up, much like I did the very first week and ask people if.
11:04:09 How the COVID-19 -- how you're doing with the COVID-19 crisis?
11:04:11 How are you feeling?
11:04:14 Are you able to get the help that you need?
11:04:24 If not, and you want to tell us what else it is that you need, we will definitely try and point you in the right direction.
11:04:27 Maybe not today, but we will get some answers.
11:04:35 >>  :  And so I see some very seasoned people.
11:04:50 That I know have been working hard on some of this and so I might ask a couple of people to speak, but I also want to just leave it open.
11:04:57 For anyone to answer.
11:05:03 Todd,.
11:05:04 >>:  Hi.
11:05:08 >>  :  You look like you have something you want to share.
11:05:26 >>  :  I have (inaudible comment) help me with food every other week.  My friend has been taking me to grocery story, because I've been sick.
11:05:30 >>  :  Everything is pretty good up here at my part of the state.
11:05:39 >>  :  It was better everywhere, but there is just not enough people help or something.  I don't know.
11:05:47 >>  :  That is what I wanted to say.
11:05:55 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thank you, Todd. .  That you've been able to get what you need.
11:06:05 >>  :  Only with the Walmart.  They won't accept my Bridge card to pay for food that you pick up food on.
11:06:11 They want cash.
11:06:20 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  When you go to order your grocery online it doesn't have a spot for you to put in your Bridge card number?
11:06:36 >>  :  Yeah, but when I go to pick it up they want cash.  They don't accept the Bridge card.
11:06:49 When you're online, you pay for it, but the Walmart I live by they don't accept that.
11:06:58 Two different things work at the same time.  So I shop mostly at Meijer.
11:07:03 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Is Meijer closer than Walmart.
11:07:05 >>  :  Only across the block.
11:07:12 >>  :  Treatment me really well.
11:07:14 >>:  Okay.
11:07:17 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thanks, Todd.
11:07:29 >>  :  Jaime, did you have something?
11:07:30 >>  :  Yeah, I did.
11:07:51 >>  :  One thing I had something for Todd.  If they are allowing you to pay for your Bridge card online and get to the start and want cash there maybe an item that can't be paid for with EBT, like prepared food if it's hot food they won't take the EBT for that.
11:07:58 If there is paper goods or something, other than food items they won't take it for that.
11:08:01 Their kind of picking about that.
11:08:15 >>  :  I would agree there is an area that really needs some widespread advocacy and, of course, we're doing a lot of work down in Detroit with that situation.
11:08:25 So what we're finding is that it's the merchants.
11:08:42 If there are some other advocates and get together and figure out how to stop that between allowing the merchants to take EBT online and actually wanting to.
11:08:44 That would be great.
11:08:56 I'm thinking there is like maybe some -- the service fee or something in there that can't be paid for with EBT.
11:08:56 >>:  Okay.
11:09:19 >>  :  And like -- I think our grocery service is doing pretty good work, but we need to find a way to eliminate that service fee so EBT can just pay for the fee.  That is the only thing that I can figure out in all of my research.
11:09:27 Walmart will take the EBT, last I checked I haven't tried it online.
11:09:40 What would happen when you get to the part pay at the store and get there to pick up your grocery they are supposed to come out and collect your EBT.
11:09:43 Now, unless that has changed.  I don't know.
11:10:06 And then there is such a wait for the grocery deliver services even if you could buy your grocery.  If there is no dates available for three days and you need food now or a week.  You're still kind of at a lost.
11:10:10 >>  :  I will check that out then.  Thank you, Jaime.
11:10:11 >>  :  You're welcome.
11:10:14 >>  :  I'm sorry, if I talked to much.
11:10:16 >>:  No.
11:10:17 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Never.
11:10:45 >>  :  I think that if we could talk between the Council and Self-Advocates of Michigan could try and schedule a meeting.  Because Self-Advocates of Michigan have members from all across the state and see if there was an advocacy strategy that we could put together.
11:10:47 I would be very interested in that.
11:10:59 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Amongst those two organizations.  If it's an issue for Todd, in a way, an issue in Detroit, than likely an issue in other places.
11:11:01 I think that would be a great idea.
11:11:11 >>  :  Something that the Self-Advocates of Michigan and the Council could maybe work on together.  We can ask them.
11:11:13 >>:  Tedra.
11:11:32 >>  :  We have a question in the chat and someone with their hand raise.  Jason asked, good morning, he is wondering if the stimulus check that you will be receiving from the government will be affect the EBT amount in any way?
11:11:47 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Jason, it is not supposed to.  The stimulus check is supposed to come to you and just be extra money that you can use.
11:11:48 Great.
11:11:53 >>  :  And Sue has her hand up.  Go ahead and unmute and ask your question.
11:11:59 >>:  Right.  Or I can unmute you if you need me to.
11:12:01 >>  :  Go ahead and unmute.
11:12:03 >>  :  Yes, I'm sorry.
11:12:26 >>  :  I wanted to chime in here.  I had someone from Center Line Michigan that is in a wheelchair and difficult purchasing food.  And recently Kroger will allow online EBT purchases.  So she has been doing that now.
11:12:30 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Is she doing it for pick up or delivery?
11:12:33 >>  :  I'm not quite sure.  I really don't know.
11:13:01 I know they have pickup I'm not sure how she is getting there.  She live ins an apartment complex.  Her problem was she wasn't able to use EBT and now she is able to with a Kroger.  Maybe a neighbor is bringing it to her.  I know at first we were delivering it to her from our organization.  And we did tell her to use Kroger.
11:13:09 I don't know if Walmart is not.  Find a Kroger, but I'm sorry I don't know if she is having it delivered.
11:13:12 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  What state are you in?
11:13:36 >>  :  Sterling Michigan and I work with members of the community refugees and imimmigrants and inside the time city inside of city of Warren.
11:13:38 Thank you, sue.
11:13:42 >>  :  And there is a question on Facebook.
11:13:55 Well, there is a comment from Sherl and there is a problem with St. Clare county and merchants for pick up as well.
11:14:05 And asked do we know if May EBT will be increased to the max as it was in March and April?
11:14:13 >>  :  I'm sorry.
11:14:23 >>  :  They were waiting to find out and they are expecting to find out any day whether there will be the same increase.
11:14:27 Thanks, Mary.
11:14:32 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Eilleen Brat.
11:14:33 >>  :  Hi,.
11:15:00 >>:  So I just wanted to share down here down river Beumont Trend had a friend who trying to support her father who is quad PI LEEJic and getting into the hospital there and initially was turned away she could not be in the hospital to be a support person for her father.
11:15:32 Utilizing Beumont policy and was able to get in there and half hour 40 minute delay to be with him and stay with him.  I wanted to let people know they need a support people with them at the hospital or people who are looking to be a support person or someone is hospitalize using those own policies that are online for the hospitals, which they are updating frequently is an effective way to do that.
11:15:35 So just to let people know.
11:15:45 Initially they weren't going to let her in and using the policy she was able to get in then.  So I just wanted to share that.
11:16:05 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  That's good to know.  I think at our first meeting someone from the behavioral health and developmental disability administration shared the rules around that.  They can't tell you you can't be there to support someone.
11:16:13 >>  :  Well, and the unfortunate thing the initial reaction at the desk they turn people away.
11:16:25 If people don't know that you have to go further and push harder, you know, someone is left without their support person and that's a concerning thing.
11:16:35 So I think that you know, just something for people to be aware of and you can find those policies right on the hospital's website.
11:16:49 I pulled it for her and got it and took it over to her and in the parking lot of the hospital and got a hold of the hospital administrators so she can get in.
11:16:52 It's knowing you have to take the extra step.
11:17:04 I know that for parents -- or parents or support people that is one of the big concerns that the person with the disability who may need the extra support not having their support person.
11:17:12 So knowing that should happen and how to make it happen, I think it's really important.
11:17:34 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thank you and maybe the Council or our network can work together to put some kind of document out or put a message out and do some social media messaging around that advocacy that has to be done once you get to the hospital.
11:17:37 >>  :  Experienced the same thing in the Lansing area.
11:17:43 I went with my brother and for an appointment and they weren't going to allow me in.
11:17:56 So you have to be a strong voice and you know, kind of be prepared with your documentation ahead of time.
11:18:08 And you know, just as a follow up one thing too was that so she was there for two days and then they said, even it's okay, if you go home.
11:18:14 It's all right.  She had nothing. .  He was taken by ambulance for having a stroke.
11:18:33 So she had nothing with her.  They said she could go home and she would be able to return and when she came back in she actually she was concern that they wouldn't let her back in, but they did after a few hours she slept.
11:18:39 And the reason I think they let her back in and she came in I'm all approved.
11:18:43 >>  :  I've already been approved.  I need to be in there.
11:18:47 >>  :  And she had a quicker access in TEM.
11:18:59 sometimes it's just been very adamant, no, I know I have the right to be there and I know I'm going to be there.
11:19:28 And then on Facebook, Jane indicated that the coalition that advocated for nondiscrimination executive orders will be calling hospitals to put this in front of them.  And they're going to try to get some training into the triage area regarding the person (inaudible comment).
11:19:37 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Can you chat Jan on Facebook and ask her if she knows the name of the coalition?
11:19:39 >>:  Yes.
11:19:40 >>:  Thank you.
11:20:12 >>  :  Has anyone receiving SSI or S SDI received their stimulus check or people have questions around the stimulus check?  We to want to try to plan one of the.
11:20:35 Webinars on the stimulus check and great to have questions that people want answers to about the checks so that we can make sure that presentation includes your questions.
11:20:42 >> :  Jaime.
11:20:47 >>  :  Sue has her hand up again.  Sue, if you want to unmute go ahead.
11:21:02 >>  :  I have -- I want to ask this question.  They actually talked to me yesterday.  They are, blind couple that has a three year old daughter.
11:21:18 And they do taxes every year and they didn't receive their stimulus through the taxes and then yesterday in the mail they received but nothing for the daughter.  Is that accurate?
11:21:28 >>  :  I believe that you're supposed to receive five hundred dollars for children, dependents under 17.
11:21:29 Yes, but they.
11:22:08 >>  :  So when they do their taxes they have automatic, you know, deposit, but they did not get it the rest of Michigan got it on that Wednesday.  They got it through SSI.  So I didn't know how to answer the question and only received 1200 each because both of them are blind and did not receive anything for her.  Should try to look for something online and told them I will wait and just some happened yesterday and government didn't use their taxes and used their SSI?
11:22:29 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Sue, that is not a question that I can answer for you today, but I just took down your question and we will definitely send it forward -- we're going to try to have a speaker from the Social Security Administration on that can hopefully answer questions that people have.
11:22:30 >>  :  This is Jaime here.
11:22:45 >>  :  Two things.  One if the couple file a state only tax return then the money wouldn't have went through the IRS.
11:23:03 Sometimes they are involved in -- SSI or SSDI and file taxes or credit, or home heating credit, with and not required to file a federal tax return.
11:23:06 >>  :  That makes sense.  That makes sense.
11:23:12 >>  :  In that case it would have came in a different manner.
11:23:16 Wait, Jaime.  One thing before you go on.
11:23:28 >>  :  Jaime, are you breaking up.  You might want to try calling in from your home and turning off computer audio and make sure that we're hearing everything you say loud and clear.
11:23:34 >>:  Okay.
11:23:54 >>  :  If you want to continue and then maybe try calling in.
11:24:19 >> :  That does make sense, because many do file the state tax return and not federal, because they get the, home heating credit and then the rental, $1,200 rental.  That does make sense and I will ask them if they only file the state return.
11:24:30 Jaime.
11:24:39 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Are there any other people with questions about the stimulus check?
11:24:56 Whoever is on with the number 236-7777, if you have a question you're unmuted.
11:25:01 Okay.  They don't have a question.
11:25:07 >>  :  This is Sandy.  I sent a question to you.  Did you get that?
11:25:11 >>  :  I did.  Would you like me to read it or go ahead and ask.
11:25:55 >>  :  First of all SSI, dependents there was also a time limit for people who took that information into the IRS.  I can't say that specifically what it was for and has nothing to do with SSI and dependent, and if the timeline is over then they have to wait until tax time and like claim it on the taxes somehow.  It seems really confusing for me.  Especially for people on SSI, but nevertheless was something to do with that.
11:26:19 My question was whether, because there was talk about having that $500 payment also go to folks who have adult dependents and I wonder if that went anywhere?  Did it get approved?  In the next bill trying to get approved?  Does anybody know?
11:26:23 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Right now, that was not part of the original stimulus.
11:26:48 There is advocacy going on in DC on the Hill right now to have that as part of the next stimulus or the next COVID-19 funding package, but there is not -- they haven't voted on it yet.  There is still a couple of bills and they're making their rounds through the different committees in the House and the Senate right now.
11:26:50 We are watching that very closely.
11:26:57 >>:  Okay.  That is what I wondered if it had gotten into the bill.  Thank you.
11:27:15 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Not adult dependents or people over 18.  So people that have students -- college students that they still claim there was no $500 for them either.
11:27:20 There is active advocacy going on that.
11:27:22 >>  :  I'm back.
11:27:26 >>  :  My audio, should be much better.  Is it.
11:27:28 ?
11:27:29 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Yes.  Perfect.
11:27:31 >>:  Okay.  Great.
11:27:37 >>  :  So the other, the person that was just speaking spoke to the issue that I was having.
11:28:01 >>  :  So that was my other question.  I want to my earl statement that I am a tax professional, so the information that I gave was directly from a tax professional.  So it wasn't a guess.
11:28:03 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thank you, Jaime.
11:28:16 >>  :  Carolyn asked if there is a violation on government order on access to disability, who does a person report it to and what agency is enforcing it?
11:28:20 >>  :  Do you mean the health care rationing at hospitals?
11:28:35 >>  :  Just not just health care rationing and hospitals, but overall access to services.  Discriminatory practice denying that.
11:28:39 >>  :  Is the person.
11:28:49 >>  :  The order is not just for hospital access, it's for access to medical care during this time, correct?
11:28:55 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Correct.  Is the person a Medicaid beneficiary?
11:28:55 >>:  Yes.
11:29:02 >>  :  So you would report it to MDAHHS.
11:29:03 >>:  Okay.
11:29:07 >>:  Jaime.
11:29:18 >>  :  I was going to say additionally you can report it to the Civil Rights in your city and also the Michigan Civil Rights Department.
11:29:20 >>  :  Thanks, Jaime.
11:29:21 >>  :  You're welcome.
11:29:42 >>  :  The other thing that we're really interested in is mental and emotional well-being for people around at this time.
11:29:56 Have people found a formula that works for you or any agents that are providing good health for outlet that people have found online or via telephone?
11:30:05 We also want to provide a forum for people to be a resource to one another.
11:30:07 >> :  So Jaime, again.
11:30:21 We do have our calls.  They have changed from original format.  Metro Detroit.  We have online that meet up twice a week.
11:30:25 I will make sure to put the new information out.
11:30:37 Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 -- from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. by Google Meets.
11:31:01 If anyone has -- is deaf or hard-of-hearing and is closed captioning and chosed that format and have Zoom Karoyke for some unwinding and social interactions.
11:31:18 >>  :  But I also know that Detroit, integrated health network is offering, text and calls support for mental health.
11:31:40 You can go on their website.  DWIHH.org.  They have an a whole COVID page and the resources for the tele health.
11:31:43 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thank you, Jaime.
11:31:46 I want to share a national resource.
11:31:48 I'm going to share my screen right now.
11:32:20 >>  :  The self-advocacy SARTAC, for short and hosting peer to peer connection calls with people with DD.  Every Monday and Thursday.  One o'clock our time and host them via Zoom or you can call in, if you're not connected via Zoom, you can call in to their.
11:32:23 Call in to the meetings.
11:32:30 And SARTAC it's a national project.
11:32:41 So you will be on with self-advocates from all across the country.
11:32:59 And Grace, shared the Arts for All of northern Michigan is working to provide free and accessible art and cultural resources both virtually and via U.S. mail.
11:33:01 And they also have a website.
11:33:18 It's www.artsforallnmi.org.
11:33:33 Art for allnmi.org.  And we will have this information.
11:33:37 Posted online.
11:33:40 Probably not on the Council's website.
11:33:45 We will probably have it posted on a partner's website.
11:33:56 We've been having issues with getting information out quickly on our website.
11:34:08 And so it appears that Eillen Grant, do you want to talk a little bit about the resource that you just shared in the chat.
11:34:34 >>  :  So my my husband is I've been running a group just for a local kids who usually bowl on Mondays.  A social group and he said, you know, maybe what we can do is use something that a lot of people, younger and older like to do who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and who don't.
11:34:56 And started inclusion and a realm on Mind Craft and speaking in a foreign language to myself right now, because I don't play.  It's a realm on Mind Craft and kind of monitoring to make sure everything is appropriate and nobody is bullying anyone.
11:35:02 And he is looking to expand it to other games.  Other online games too.
11:35:07 And have it be as accessible to everyone as possible.
11:35:29 The whole philosophy gaming should be accessible to everyone and everyone should be included.  People with and without disabilities and he is actually doing a streaming event and again, back to speaking a foreign language to me.  A streaming event on Twitch tomorrow night and he is trying to make it so that people.
11:35:34 Who want to talk with one another and interact can do so.
11:35:39 People who want to play the game and just not interact with people directly and do that.
11:35:44 And people who just want to watch other people play the game can do that.
11:35:47 So he is trying to make it as inclusive as possible.
11:35:55 And he does have a Facebook page, Land of Inclusion and working on a website for that too.
11:36:09 So just as a way to get people to connect in a using that medium of exchange of the exchange of online gaming.  That's it.
11:36:31 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  That's great.  I mean, the gaming community is really -- lots of people into Mind Craft and gaming and watching other people play games.  So... we will make sure to get that information out, Eillee.
11:36:39 >>:  Thank you.  He is also watching too just for the physical adaptation so that the gaming is more accessible.
11:36:50 So he is trying to get more of that information out so that people who thought maybe they couldn't access the different keyboard controls or.
11:36:57 You know, just all of the assistive tech that can go along with it and trying to work on that.
11:37:07 Things are up and coming.  He is just getting rolled out.  So, thank you.
11:37:24 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Jason is asking for a link to a website.  Which website, Jason?
11:37:30 Okay.  While we're waiting for Jason -- there you are Jason.
11:37:32 >>  :  You're unmuted.  Go ahead.
11:37:55 >>  :  You may need to unmute your phone, Jason.  Or you can type it in the chat.
11:38:14 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Do we have any peer mentors on the line?  That want to share their experience in mentoring?  How that is going for them?  Mentoring remotely?
11:38:39 >>  :  I don't have peer mentoring, but I wrote a program at the KAL dean community foundation.  We have 16 refugees that are blind and through a partnership over the last few years with Macomb we're doing a virtual ESL class on Tuesday and Thursdays.  And we do it through.
11:38:48 Many of them don't have the capability or to really use technology for Zoom.  So we do a face time call.
11:38:55 I call everyone on face time in two different groups and the tutor does the ESL class.
11:39:05 So we do that online and they have iPhones and so able just to answer the call and join in.
11:39:13 And it's been going for about three weeks now and very successful.
11:39:16 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  So everyone has an iPhone?
11:39:23 >>  :  The ones that didn't have an iPhone our foundation, gave them a use of iPad.
11:39:37 So in the iPad we face time them through e-mail address that we created and just have to touch the -- just answer the call on the iPad.
11:39:38 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  That's great.
11:39:46 >>:  Yeah.  And we have maybe all of them, except for two live with family members.
11:39:49 And so, you know, assist them too.
11:39:54 So the two independent ones do have iPhones and working out great.
11:40:02 We split them up into two groups, because when you have, you're not really looking at someone.
11:40:08 It's face time, but we try to make sure everyone speaks one at a time.
11:40:15 And with Zoom we tried it and it was a little delay and people were talking over each other.
11:40:28 With face time it was turning out very well, because it gives you a clearer and right precise time when people are speaking to each other.
11:40:44 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  How are other people from other organizations, if you're on the line and don't mind talking, how are you reaching people that don't have access to technology?
11:40:58 And while we're waiting for anyone that wants to share.  Carolyn asked how can people access tele medicine if they don't have the AT to use via Medicaid?
11:40:59 >>:  Good morning.
11:41:01 >>  :  Hi, Robert.
11:41:32 >>  :  One of the things we've done in my department at Detroit Wayne -- -- services goals, we sent out a text sign up for a text.
11:41:43 A text goes out to the members.
11:41:47 And things that.
11:41:48 (I can't hear speaker).
11:41:50 Did you hear me?
11:41:51 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Yes.
11:41:52 >>:  All right.
11:42:00 >>  :  I'm going to mute my phone.
11:42:01 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thanks Robert.
11:42:04 >>  :  Tedra, this is Jaime.
11:42:05 So two things.
11:42:10 One I put the information for the wellness meet up in the chat.
11:42:15 And for Google Meets there is a call in number.
11:42:29 So we have lots of folks with visual disabilities, like blind or visual difficults.
11:42:38 So many of them don't have smartphone.  They can go buy and phone.
11:42:42 So it's really easy friendly.
11:42:54 >>  :  Google Meets is any group looking for easy to use platform for folks.  Google meet is user friendly platform.
11:43:07 And if you're using it on the 15th it's a lot more readily available than Zoom.
11:43:13 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Jaime, how do you get the information to people?
11:43:16 How did they learn about the call?
11:43:44 >>  :  So we sent out similar to Robert.  We sent out text messages or we have a young lady within our group, she is blind, she has e-mail, so we send her a lot of communications and gets it to people by their support groups that meets.
11:43:49 Or we just simply call people.
11:43:51 >>:  I'm sorry.
11:44:17 >>  :  I wanted to add on there beside me working in behavior hall at the -- -- and sit at my local school districts and we have over 58 free reduce lunch and many of the families now that are not working we encourage them to apply for food stamps, because they might qualify now.
11:44:24 If they are able -- not food stamps.  Free and reduce lunch.
11:44:26 So they can get the lunches put on a card.
11:44:44 If they do that Comcast has something call Internet essentially.  If you have a child, with disabilities up to age 26 that qualifies for that and only $10 a month.
11:44:54 We have a lot of families and everything is done online application and then they send the equipment to their house and they actually can walk them through installing it.
11:45:01 Many of our families live in an apartment and easy and plug it into the wall and you know, starts it up.
11:45:12 But through our districts we're also purchasing three thousand laptops so can be able to get them to the families, into these homes.
11:45:16 The laptop is not going to be worth it unless they have connection.
11:45:27 So we're trying to work with families and get that $10.  It's call Internet Essentials through Comcast.
11:45:37 >>  :  I think Internet Essentially is for anybody that gets Medicaid.  Not just for the students.
11:45:46 And Jason is saying AT andT has the same program and try to track that down and put it out to people.
11:45:53 >>  :  I have several, not several, I have a few question and take them in the order they are posted.
11:46:05 >>  :  Sandra posted in the chat, are people aware of the Comcast Internet Essentially and just talked about that.
11:46:08 >>  :  More to add.
11:46:11 >>  :  Go ahead if you want to ask your questions.
11:46:22 >>  :  Yes, it is anyone who is on Medicaid and automatically qualified.  If you are low income you can still apply.
11:46:27 The other thing is and that is the $10 a month.
11:46:31 The first two months I think through the end of June are free.
11:47:03 Also, you can get a computer that refurbish computer for $150.  That is the trouble -- you can look online under Internet essential, but I do have, let's see I got a letter from them and I have a phone number that can be called if you like Michael I will just type that in the chat.
11:47:10 >>  :  Go ahead and make sure if you put it in the chat that you put it to everyone, so we can all see it.
11:47:12 >>  :  Okay.  Thanks.
11:47:20 >>  :  And then Sue had her hand up.  Sue go ahead and unmute.
11:47:24 >>  :  I'm sorry, I think it was from before.
11:47:27 >>  :  Oh.  Okay.  No problem.
11:47:31 >>  :  And then one more in the chat.
11:47:41 Posted she works at Office of equity and Minority health and like to ask a question.
11:47:44 >>  :  So go ahead.
11:47:48 >>  :  Make sure to unmute or I can unmute you.
11:48:01 >>  :  I think fell out the Zoom section.
11:48:04 >>  :  So we will come back to her if she comes back on.
11:48:12 >>  :  That is all for now, Tedra.  There are a few links that are being post ND the chat as well.
11:48:14 >>  :  There she is.
11:48:18 >>:  Yup.  Let me find her.  Just saw that.
11:48:23 >>  :  Her microphone is not connected.
11:48:35 >>  :  So I will work on getting her connected, Tedra, if you want to go on.
11:48:40 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  I think those are some great resources that everyone gave.
11:48:49 What we will definitely do, I see other people putting in information for Internet Essentials.
11:48:52 So we will make sure that information gets out.
11:49:04 Tracy we haven't had a Facebook check in for a while.  While we're waiting for someone.  Any comments or questions on Facebook live.
11:49:12 >>  :  Not at this time.  I'm including the link that people are sharing in the chat box and including those in the Facebook page.
11:49:14 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Thank you.
11:49:15 >>  :  If you want to unmute.
11:49:17 >>  :  Can you all hear me.
11:49:18 >>  :  Oh, great.
11:49:22 >>  :  I'm sorry, I was on the phone and seem not to be working.
11:49:32 >>  :  Well, I have two questions that I'm hoping I can throw out there and see if you all have resources.
11:49:46 So we're working on establishing new pop up, walk up, and mobile testing sites across different hot spots in Michigan.
11:50:18 And we would like to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities and wondering if you know of any resource, any leader, community leader or individual who we should get in contact with to get some of that feedback?  So we ensure that these walkup and mobile testing sites are accessible?
11:50:22 And then I have another question after that.
11:50:24 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Can you tell us the communities?
11:50:31 >>  :  So we are using data driven strategies.
11:50:39 So data is telling us where there are needed testing sites.
11:50:56 And obviously, we are thinking obviously putting about six or eight of those sites in Detroit and we're thinking Genesee County.  Kent county.
11:50:58 Barry, I think it's called.
11:51:00 And one more that I'm missing.
11:51:07 >>  :  Did you say Berrion.
11:51:17 >>  :  Your CIL that is accessibility issues are things they deal with regularly.
11:51:44 And they all, I think only 17 of them in the state, but they all have access to various communities and you might want to contact the CIL for any communities that you're interested in getting that information for.
11:51:45 >>  :  Great, thank you.
11:52:03 >>  :  And then the other question, was about engaging the public and letting them know about the test site.  I supposed we will also ask that question to the CILs.
11:52:19 If anyone has any ideas I will be happy to put my e-mail in the chat box and e-mail your ideas how to best communicate with people with disabilities about the test sites.
11:52:46 >> :  Hi, can I give one more resource.  This is Jaime.  I work with an organization called Worries on Wheels I put information for our weekly wellness meet up.  And the chat they are done for this week, but you're more than welcome to join us next week.
11:52:54 I will also put my e-mail in the chat.  Feel free to reach out to me and we can talk about other things.
11:52:57 , if you like.
11:52:59 Thank you, Jaime.
11:53:04 >>  :  I will get in contact with you.  Thank you.
11:53:31 >>  :  Hi, this is Mary.  I just wanted to mention if you go to the website for Disability Network another name that many of the CIL are called at this point there is a map that indicates what area each one covers and be able to make contact and get the local information all in one website.
11:53:45 >>:  Thank you.
11:53:59 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  Looking to see -- we're almost to 12 o'clock.  So we will ask one more time if anyone has anything they would like to share?
11:54:19 We are thinking of putting an open link to survey monkey with a tool for people to tell their COVID story and able to use for advocacy going forward.
11:54:42 And so and then we will send a link out widespread for people to know that is there, because it is really the the stories of people that are living it day-to-day that are going to be what tips the scale when it comes to funding and advocacy.
11:55:07 And so we really do want to make sure that your stories are being told and the stories of the people that you're supporting or your family members are being told to the people that are making the decisions.
11:55:10 >> TEDRA JACKSON:  One more pass.  Is there anything else?
11:55:44 So next week webinar will be on what is called, they're calling the stable stimulus plus able.  If people are familiar with the my able accounts saving accounts for people with disabilities that you can open it doesn't count against you.  We have our state able account coordinators that will be with us next week to talk about how you can open those accounts.
11:56:05 And just the different parameters that out there now with the COVID funding and how the stimulus checks -- could help you when thinking about opening an account, if you are able to.  If you don't need to use the money right away.
11:56:12 We hope that you will all join us again next Thursday, May, 14, at 11 o'clock.
11:56:19 And we will make sure to get the link and the information out to everyone no later than Tuesday.
11:56:23 It won't be as late as it was this week.
11:56:29 So thank you to everyone for spending an hour with us today.
11:56:31 We really appreciate it.
11:56:44 People gave some really good information.  You are building a community and beginning to help one another and we're happy to be able to provide a platform for you all to do so.
11:56:49 So with that we will end our call for today.
11:57:03 Thank you.
11:57:14 >> :  Tracy can you give me the number from Facebook.
11:57:16 >>  :  I think she hung up Mary.
11:57:17 >>:  Okay.