PAVE's News

• WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

The Better Business Bureau BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft if contacted by anyone claiming they are collecting information for the 2010 Census. The 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. Census takers will visit households that did not return a form by mail from April – July 2010.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: ** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home. ** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. 5/2010

• Cassie Johnston selected as a Community Champion Award Winner

Word was received from Marilyn Andrews from Molina Healthcare of Washingtoin that Cassie Johnston was selected as a Community Champion Award Winner in the advocacy/civic leader category by Molina Healthcare of Washington. Each year, Molina Healthcare sponsors an awards dinner to honor unsung community heros in eight different categories - educator, student/youth, health car media, healthcare professional, volunteer, advocacy/civic leader, faith based organization and support group/civic club. Award winners recieve a trophy and $1000 grant to give to the non-profit organization of their choice. Join PAVE and Molina Healthcare in congratulating Cassie on her tireless efforts in service to others and her well deserved award. 10/5/09

• Free one-year AudioAccess SM individual membership

You may be eligible to receive one year of digitally recorded audiobooks, including children's literature and textbooks, FREE, from RFB&D®*. Through January 25, 2010, any student with a qualified learning or print disability in the U.S. can sign up for 12 months of free access to RFB&D's CV Starr Learning Through Listening® Library of more than 46,000 textbooks and literature, via Internet download. This special offer, in celebration of RFB&D's 60th anniversary, is made possible by the generous contributions of RFB&D's donors and major funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Signing up is easy. Just apply online at https://custhub.rfbd.org/Registration For more information on AudioAccess visit www.rfbd.org/audioaccess RFB&D's Free Individual AudioAccess Membership in brief Who is eligible? Any student in the U.S. with a certified print disability such as a visual impairment, learning disability or other physical disability. Grades K-12, post secondary education program (college, graduate or professional school, trade or vocational school). Public, private or home-schooled. How do you enroll? Visit https://custhub.rfbd.org/Registration Students under 18 must be enrolled by a parent or guardian. What is the term of membership? Students can enroll between January 26, 2009 and January 25, 2010; the membership period will be one year from date of enrollment. What does a student receive? 12 months of 24/7 access to RFB&D's CV Starr Learning Through Listening® Library of more than 46,000 textbooks and literature titles. Download delivery via the AudioAccess service. What special equipment is needed? No specialized playback equipment is required. With AudioAccess, audiobooks can be easily downloaded onto Microsoft Windows®- based computers with Windows® Media Player version 10 or higher. Digital files sync easily between a computer and portable media players. 2/10

• New Look for PAVE

PAVE’s LOGO HAS CHANGED! PAVE has a new updated logo and tagline. We have eliminated “Washington” from the original name and are known simply as PAVE--“Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment”. The stylized V in PAVE represents a welcome to the information, resources and support PAVE has to offer. Included in the new look, the clasped hands represent partnerships among people. We believe these changes present a stronger statement about PAVE’s mission, beliefs, and commitment to our purpose of helping and supporting families in their advocacy. It is also more encompassing of the variety of programs in the PAVE organization. The various programs assist families at all ages and stages in navigating the many systems with which they come in contact. PAVE’s major principles and beliefs have not changed. Parents and families are the experts on their own children. Educators, other professionals and parents working together and respecting each other’s expertise make effective teams for the benefit of the children. Our webpage will soon reflect the new look also. 1109

• Disability History Exhibit (Available at PAVE)

The Disability History Exhibit was purchased by Self Advocates of Washington with grant funds from Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities. The twenty-one panel exhibit traces perceptions, attitudes, services, struggles, and achievements in the history of persons with developmental and other disabilities. The exhibit brings viewers through an illustrated timeline, chronicling societal interpretations of disability through moral, medical and civil rights view-points. Color-coded to easily trace models throughout history. Uses plain language and hundreds of images, this exhibit connects historical themes in disability to societal values and the treatment of people with disabilities throughout the ages. Powerful visual images to use for workshops, conferences, and disability events.

The History Exhibit is being kept in Washington PAVE lending library and can be used, free of charge, by organizations that support people with disabilities in Pierce County, Washington. The Exhibit may also be used at state-wide conferences and conventions. The exhibit is displayed accordion style on five 8 foot tables, which are stored in sturdy easy to move carrying cases with wheels. Hook Velcro on back of panels also allows for easy mounting to fabric walls or displays.

If you are interested in using the exhibit or have questions, contact PAVE at 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or 1-800-572-7368 (v/tty ) or send an email to wapave9@washingtonpave.com.
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