On the morning after the election I want to let you all know that Matt Peterson, Independent Living Specialist at Alpha One, was re-elected last night. Matt won by a 2-1 margin. Matt worked hard to represent the people of his district and they recognized that in sending him back to Augusta in an election that saw many incumbents lose their seat in Maine and around the country. We’re all proud of you Matt-keep up the great work!

On Saturday night October 30, Alpha One held its fourth Return to Life concert featuring the Indigo Girls at the Merrill auditorium in Portland, Maine.

I had the pleasure of introducing the evening on stage with Craig Gray, Vice President of Prudential’s Return to Life Program. I thanked the audience for coming and let them know that proceeds from the concert would support Alpha One’s many services for people with disabilities throughout Maine. I added that the concert could not have happened without the generous support of Prudential, our sponsor for the concert series. Next, I introduced Craig who generously praised the work of Alpha One and spoke of Prudential’s pride in being associated with Alpha One. Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for a great day of skiing and riding at Sunday River? Join Maine Handicapped Skiing at their 25th anniversary Ski-A-Thon, March 27th, 2010 at Sunday River Ski Resort. Teams of five people– friends, family or co-workers–raise a minimum of $1000 to participate in the all day extravaganza. And what a day it is! Read the rest of this entry »

Chairs and Members of the Committee, I am Dennis Fitzgibbons, Executive Director of Alpha One, Maine Center for Independent Living.  For thirty years, Alpha One has played a role in providing services to Maine citizens with a disability and seniors who want to remain in their homes and communities.  I will not add anything to superlatives that you have heard throughout these hearings and that you will continue to hear as the week progresses.

Read the rest of this entry »

Today was one of those days when working for Alpha One and working with consumers we serve is an uplifting, inspiring occasion. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you or a loved one been denied Complex Rehab Equipment that would enable a healthier, happier and higher quality of life?

Did you know your government is providing reimbursement based on which equipment they think is best for you? Their decisions are not based on what actually is best for your unique medical needs.

So basically — you are getting rehab equipment — but what the government feels is appropriate for you. Not what is really best for you to live an independent healthy lifestyle.

If this scenario sounds familiar and you would like to get involved and help change the way the government reimburses for Complex Rehab Equipment, apply for a Consumer Scholarship to the CELA conference in April 2010:

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=a0mh1fpj6d89i3×656273

This is an expenses paid trip to Washington, DC where you can tell your story in person to members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Your involvement will help change the government’s perspective for you and others with disabilities.

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.

The following article is a repost from Rep. Matt Peterson’s blog. The link after the article.

Last week, Governor Baldacci unveiled his proposed curtailment package to reduce budget expenditures in the current fiscal year in light of lowered revenue projections. At the time, he indicated that this is the first phase of an estimated $400 million in budget reductions in the current fiscal year. As expected, these initial curtailments fell most heavily on human services programs and state aid to education. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you prepared for an emergency? The Maine Emergency Management Association (MEMA) addressed that question this fall at workshops titled ”Including People with Disabilities and the Elderly in Emergency Preparedness,” Read the rest of this entry »