Flood Relief Resources & Disabilities

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Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends of DSAMT. The flood waters of Middle Tennessee have certainly changed our world in just a very short time. We pray all of you are safe. If you know of families in Middle Tennessee who have a member with Down syndrome and are in need of food or shelter please let us know. Call DSAMT at 615-386-9002 or email [e-mail].

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Dear Colleagues,

I hope this will be helpful for you in obtaining assistance in this flood crisis or your own should it arise. Please feel free to share this info. with others in the community.

I live in Nashville, TN (Davidson County). Our basement flooded this weekend and, it was more extensive damage than we first realized. We are approaching things a little differently than we have in prior floods. Instead of accepting that it’s not covered by insurance, because we don't’ have flood insurance, we filed a claim and the insurance company will make a determination if it is flooding OR storm that caused the water in our home. Apparently while we are not covered for flood we are covered by storm. Go figua! I also just spoke with our insurance company and we are also covered for sewage back up (with some strict parameters) which will be determined by the claims investigator. During the storm, the sewage utility covers in front of our house were dancing on water fountains pushing up from under the road. YUK!

We called the restoration company we have used before and they have been wonderful, coming over every day even with hundreds of others they get calls from for help.

I’m so grateful the president made our county a Federal Disaster area. Only 4 counties were approved but I am hopeful more will be approved as so many others have lost everything. This is an on-going reminder of how fragile this life is and of how very lucky we are.

As soon as our senators announced last night Obama just approved our county for FEMA, I was on the phone and with just a very short wait, my husband and I registered for FEMA assistance. The woman was wonderful and they make a distinction between flooding and seepage. Who knew there were so many different names for water and well, seepage! ! She let us know about some possible IRS tax breaks, property tax breaks and low interest loans for which we may be eligible. She let us know if the loans don’t work, don’t give up because they also have grants. Also, all public transporation is down here so contacting the Red Cross and (here) Hands on Nashville with tons of volunteers may be able to assist for both people with and without disabilities.

I’m sharing this information so you may have it for the future and please share it with others. Our language and the language of insurance companies and govt. agencies are all different- so it is a good idea when they ask questions to just answer with the truth without speculating.

I hope this is helpful. Soggy but not giving up,

Lorre Mendelson

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Tennessee Disability Housing Assistance Program

NASHVILLE TN United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, and a variety of collaborating organizations across Tennessee announce the creation of the Tennessee Disability Housing Assistance Program. As the lead agency, UCP has been allocated a two year grant in the amount of $600,000 from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund. Working through a statewide partner network, these funds are allocated to meet specific home and community based housing needs of low income persons with disabilities in Tennessee who do not receive housing supports through state Medicaid Waiver programs. THDA has targeted the program to Tennessee rural communities. Residents of the four largest urban counties (Davidson, Knox, Hamilton, and Shelby) are currently not eligible for the program.

Uses of the fund

The fund may be used for a variety of purposes specific to disability related housing needs. Among these include:

1) Construction activities specific to disability needs such as widening doorways for wheelchair access, modifying bathrooms, and installing grab bars,

2) Funding assistance to move from a non-accessible home to an accessible home,

3) Funding assistance to move from a nursing home or institutional setting to a community based setting,

4) Funding assistance to assist a homeless person with a disability to move into a home,

5) Housing related assistance in emergency or crisis situations such as fire, flood or other natural disaster, death of a primary caregiver, extended hospitalization or a medical emergency such as a recently acquired severe disability, and

6) Weatherization of a home where a person with a severe disability lives.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the fund was established according to the same basic criteria as the state’s Family Support Program. UCP must document that applicants have a disability that results in a substantial limitation in three or more major life activities and the disability is long-term or likely to continue indefinitely. Individuals must also meet the family income guidelines established by THDA. These guidelines are based on total household income and the number of people living in the home.

Funding Per Household

While the maximum amount allocable per household is $4000, most of the grants are smaller, with an average in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.

The program also requires a 50% match for each grant. This means that a $1,000 grant would require a $500 match. Some families may have their own cash match for their project, while others may not. If individuals do not have the cash or other resources available for the required match, they can go ahead and apply. If the application is approved, UCP will try to connect individual with a community organization that can help with the match. The match does not have to be a cash match. It can include volunteer services, donated supplies, and other in-kind resources.

For more information about the Tennessee Disability Housing Assistance Program,
or to request to have an application mailed or faxed to you

call 615-242-4091 and ask for John Pickett, Program Director

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Please be reminded that Metro agencies are providing information and assistance to families today, May 4th, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Spanish interpretation will be available. This activity is taking place at the Coleman Community Center, 384 Thompson Lane, 37211.

Hola:
Por favor recuerden que las agencias del gobierno metropolitano de Nashville estarán informando y ayudando a las familias el día de hoy, 4 de mayo, de 11 a.m. a 8 p.m. Se proveerá interpretación al español. Esta actividad se está llevando a cabo en el Coleman Community Center, 384 Thompson Lane, 37211.

Rubén E. De Peña
Family & School Liaison
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
Glencliff Cluster
Office 333-5070 Ext. 1-307

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Limited Bus Service available beginning May 6th. Fares on buses will be free during transition period.

Link to MTA Press Release: www.nashvillemta.org/PDFHomePage/1.pdf

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TBI survivors and/or families/caregivers that were directly impacted by the flood, please contact our Family Helpline: 1-877-757-2428 if you are in need of assistance.

For those of you who want to volunteer to assist those people in need in your community, Hands On Nashville is asking that you register on-line at www.hon.org or call them. The animal shelters are also in dire need of donations and volunteers to assist them in taking care of all the displaced pets.

Pam Bryan, CBIS
Interim Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Tennessee
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Office: 615-248-2541
Fax: [phone]
Family Help-Line: 1-877-757-2428
Visit our website:www.BrainInjuryTN.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2010

COPING WITH THE EFFECTS OF CRISIS AND TRAUMA

Mental Health resources Available Across the State

NASHVILLE – In the aftermath of the recent devastating flooding and severe weather, many Tennesseans are finding their lives changed in ways they have never before experienced. After encountering such trauma, many people feel their safe, routine lives have suddenly become dangerous and unpredictable and they feel simply overwhelmed.

Trauma can lead to any number of emotional, behavioral and physical responses that may include feelings of anger, sadness, grief, guilt, or anxiety over people or property lost; problems with sleeping or eating; substance use; or symptoms such as headaches, numbness, and nausea. These are normal responses for persons who experience a traumatic event but they can be addressed in healthy ways.

“It is important for everyone to know they are not alone in times like this. And needed resources are available across the state,” stated Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts. “ Tennessee has been rocked by horrendous weather, so it is especially important to be aware of ways to deal with the effects of these events and how best to accept and offer appropriate assistance.”

You can help yourself and others cope with these responses in a variety of ways:

DO: talk about your experiences, allow others to help, get adequate rest, eat healthy meals, develop and maintain a routine, take breaks from cleanup, keep a journal of your concerns, or participate in a support group.

DON’T: use alcohol or drugs to cope with negative feelings, work too much or stop taking care of yourself, blame others, or withdraw from family and friends.

In most instances, just following this simple advice can help ease the symptoms of acute stress disorder and prevent more serious problems like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

For a list of mental health resources or crisis services in your area visit www.tn.gov/mental or call TDMHDD’s Office of Consumer Affairs at [phone] or 1-800-560-5767.

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Qualified professionals are offering RESPITE for families needing childcare while they clean. Please call ASMT at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 if you are in need of respite for this reason.


Also, please call the ASMT office, before 2 p.m. today, if you would be available this weekend to help families with clean up or if you are in need of assistance cleaning this weekend.



FLOOD ASSISTANCE


The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee (ASMT), Autism Speaks, and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all the families in the autism community that have been affected by the recent floods. We hope you are all safe, and we are working together to help individuals and families in need during this time.

Here's what you can do to help us in our efforts if...

YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

- Contact Kathy at [e-mail] or 615-238-1625 to request IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE from AutismCares (a division of Autism Speaks). NOTE: There are no income restrictions.

- Contact ASMT at [e-mail] or 615-385-2077, ext. 1 with a list of your specific needs (e.g. men's clothing size large, towels, volunteers to help you clean up your house, etc.).

- Contact Tennessee Disability Pathfinder at [e-mail] or 1-800-640-4636 for disability information resources in English and Spanish.

- Call 211 from any phone for quick referrals to Disaster Relief Services offered by the Office of Emergency Management including food, housing, and financial assistance from FEMA.

YOU CAN GIVE ASSISTANCE

- Make a donation to AutismCares (specifically for families in TN affected by the flood) by going to blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/05/05/autismcares-tenn/.

- Donate Wal-Mart gift cards (send to ASMT, 955 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206) to be distributed to our ASMT, Autism Speaks, and VKC families in need.

- Volunteer to help families clean up their homes by calling 615-385-2077, ext. 1.

- Donate specific items that families need. Go to tinyurl.com/Community-Bulletin-Board for more information. This will be continually updated as information comes in, so check back often.

Thank you for your assistance during this difficult time.

Dana Cristina, VKC
Amanda Peltz, ASMT
Kathy Streng, Autism Speaks

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Disaster Information Centers can provide general information on utilities, social service assistance, and legal and insurance information.

Bellevue Community Center – 656 Colice Jeanne Rd. 37221
Coleman Community Center – 384 Thompson Lane 37211
East Park Community Center – 700 Woodland Street 37206
Hadley Community Center – 1037 28th Avenue North 37208
Hermitage Community Center – 3720 James Kay Lane 37076

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Contents of Packet:

-Federal Aid Programs For Tennessee Disaster Recovery
-Recovery Efforts for Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County
-The Metro Public Health Department Tetanus Immunizations
-Tennessee Bar Association


Federal Aid Programs For Tennessee Disaster Recovery
Release Date: May 4, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-092Factsheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Tennessee.
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:
• Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
• Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
• Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
• Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
• Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
• Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
• Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
• Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:
Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time). Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-May-2010 06:09:27


RECOVERY EFFORTS FOR METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY

Volunteer Efforts
If you are interested in serving as a flood volunteer, please register at: www.hon.org
Donations
Very specific donation requests include large quantities of the following: diapers, baby formula, cleaning supplies and rubber gloves, wet vacs, brooms, mops, dehumidifers and generators. If citizens have large quantities, they should contact the Community Foundation of Middle TN at www.cfmt.org or 321-4939. The most urgent need continues to be cash donations, which can be made to the Metro Disaster Fund at CFMT.
Open Shelters
All Red Cross shelters remain open as the operation moves from response to recovery. To contact the Red Cross call: 250-4250.

-Lipscomb University Student Life Center
3901 Granny White Pike, Nashville TN

-Al Menah Shrine Temple
1354 Brick Church Pike, Nashville TN

-Gordon Jewish Center
801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Nashville TN

-McGavock High School
3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville TN

Disaster Assistance Centers
Disaster Information Centers can provide general information on utilities, social service assistance, and legal and insurance information. Citizens can drop by for information from 10am - 6pm Wednesday (5th) and Thursday (6th).

• Bellevue Community Center – 656 Colice Jeanne Rd. 37221
• Coleman Community Center – 384 Thompson Lane 37211
• Hadley Community Center – 1037 28th Avenue North 37208
• Hermitage Community Center – 3720 James Kay Lane 37076

Food – Emergency Food Boxes
New Song Christian Fellowship
2949 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN
[phone]
Hours: Th: 2-5; F: 11-2

Una Church of Christ
1917 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN
[phone]
Hours: W: 9-11

Hamilton United Methodist Church
3105 Hamilton Church Road, Antioch, TN
[phone]
Hours: M & W: 4-6; Sa: 9-12

Woodmont Baptist Church - Food Boxes
2100 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN

Pets
Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Ave, Nashville, TN
[phone]

Financial Assistance

FEMA – 1-800-621-FEMA
Information document describing the application process for disaster assistance from FEMA

Flood Debris Guidelines For Metro Residents:
• All items and materials MUST be separated into four different piles, and placed at the curb or streetside for collection. If the debris is not separated, it will not be collected.
1. White goods and metals (appliances, etc.)
2. Construction and demolition debris (lumber, windows, etc.)
3. Vegetation (brush, limbs and all other yard waste)
4. Household trash and garbage (including carpet)
• Items should NOT be placed in public alleys. Alleys need to remain clear for emergency crews and trash collection services.
• All debris and flood-damaged items should be placed at the curb/streetside for collection. DO NOT bring these items to Metro Convenience Centers for disposal. For additional information, residents should call Customer Service at 862-8750.
Metro Trash and Curbside Collection Update
Public Works is advising that Metro crews will be running regular trash and recycling pickup routes in areas where streets are clear of flooding.
Residents whose carts were washed away by flood waters should bag and tie their trash and place at the curb or alley for pickup. Recycling should also be bagged and tied and CLEARLY labeled as "RECYCLING."
To request a replacement cart, or if you have other questions about your Metro trash and recycling services, please contact Public Works at 880-1000.

Furniture
Call 211

Utility Contact Numbers
• Metro Department of Public Works: 862-8750
• Metro Water: 862-4800
• Nashville Electric Service: 736-6900
• Piedmont Natural Gas: 1-800-752-7504
• Comcast: 244-5900
• AT&T: 1-800-222-0300

Health and Safety Information
• Flood waters may contain sewage and other hazardous substances – there is some risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood water.
• If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water.
• If you smell the odor of natural gas in your home (similar to rotten eggs) do not turn appliances on or off, and do not use your home phone. Leave the premises immediately and call Piedmont Natural Gas from a neighbor’s home or your cell phone. Do not try to turn off your natural gas service on your own.
• If you see a downed power line wires, assume it is live and report the emergency to 911.
• Be sure to turn off all power to flooded areas in your home containing electrical wires or appliances.


The Metro Public Health Department will be offering Tetanus Immunizations at five community centers around town (Hadley, East, Coleman, Hermitage, and Bellevue) for anyone at risk after recently being exposed to flood water. The clinics will start each morning at 12:00am and continue until at least 4:00pm each day beginning on May 5th and continuing until flood situation resolves.
Tetanus, also called Lockjaw, is caused by a bacteria that can enter the body through cuts or breaks in the skin. In a flood situation, debris and contaminated water increases the risk for contracting Tetanus should an open wound be exposed to flood water. If you have recently been exposed to flood waters you may be at risk for Tetanus.
Normally adults should receive a tetanus shot every 10 years. If you are unsure of your need for a Tetanus Booster immunization please call the Metro Public Health immunization department at
[phone].
The five Community Centers where vaccine will be available on Thursday are:
• Bellevue Community Center, 656 Colice Jeanne Road, 37221
• Coleman Regional Center, 384 Thompson Lane, 37211
• East Park Regional Center, 700 Woodland Street, 37206
• Hadley Park Regional Center, 1037 28th Ave. N., 37208
• Hermitage Community Center, 3720 James Kay Lane, 37076

Tennessee Bar Association

More than 100 lawyers have already volunteered to help staff call centers and resource clinics to serve victims of Nashville area flooding. Relief and recovery groups today announced they are setting up additional Disaster Assistance Centers tomorrow at the Hadley Park Community Center, 1037 28th Avenue North, the Hermitage Community Center, 3720 James Kay Lane, and at the East Community Center, 700 Woodland Street. The three new locations join operations at the Coleman Community Center, 384 Thompson Lane, and at the Bellevue Community Center, 656 Colice Jeanne Road. Volunteer lawyers will be helping staff all five centers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Resources include handouts at the community centers include:
• General Insurance Questions
• Tips for Avoiding a Home Repair Rip-off
• Common Questions Related to Insurance

The Legal Aid Society will also host clinics on May 11 and May 12, with the May 12 clinic devoted entirely to flood-related questions. Both events will start at 5 p.m. at Legal Aid offices on 300 Deaderick Street. Sign up to volunteer or learn about available resources.

NASHVILLE, May 4, 2010. Free legal services to flood victims will be offered at city disaster service centers, as well as several legal clinics, in the coming days through a joint program of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, the Nashville Bar Association and the Nashville Pro Bono Program.

Issues that generally arise after a natural disaster, and for which an attorney can provide help, include:

* Securing government benefits available to disaster victims
* Filing life, medical and property insurance claims
* Dealing with home repair contracts and contractors
* Replacing missing or destroyed wills and other legal documents
* Dealing with consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
* Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
* Counseling on landlord/tenant problems

City Disaster Service Centers
The city's disaster service centers are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day this week and lawyers will be on hand to help any one who needs assistance. No appointments are needed. The centers are set up at the following locations:

-Bellevue Community Center
656 Colice Jeanne Road
Nashville, TN 37221

-Coleman Community Center
384 Thompson Lane (at Nolensville Rd.)
Nashville, TN 37211

-East Community Center
700 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206

-Hadley Park Community Center
1037 28th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

-Hermitage Community Center
3720 James Kay Lane
Nashville, TN 37076

Upcoming Legal Clinics
In addition to these centers, volunteer lawyers will provide free services at three upcoming legal clinics:
Dial-A-Lawyer Program
Sponsored by the Nashville Bar Association
Individuals with legal issues should call 615-242-9272 to speak to a lawyer
-Legal Clinic
Sponsored by the Nashville Pro Bono Program
May 11 at 4:30 p.m.
No appointments needed
Location:
Legal Aid Society
300 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37201

-Special Disaster Legal Clinic
Sponsored by the Nashville Pro Bono Program
May 12 at 5 p.m.
No appointments needed
Location:
Legal Aid Society
300 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37201

For more information about the Nashville Pro Bono Program clinics, visit the organization's blog

More Information
Those in need of legal services can visit the TBA website at www.tba.org/volunteer for details about how to access free legal services.
The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with more than 10,000 members. Founded in 1881, the TBA provides opportunities for continuing legal education, professional development and public service. The TBA’s dedication to serving the state’s legal community is evidenced by its membership roll, which represents the entire spectrum of legal practice: plaintiff and defense lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, government lawyers and legal services attorneys.

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This info is on our homepage www.familypathfinder.org under Features and can be accessed at :

Flood/Emergency Preparedness: kc.vanderbilt.edu/tennesseepathfinder/page.aspx?id=1113

Thanks,

Carole Moore-Slater, Director
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Medical Arts Building, Suite 539
1211 21st Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
615.875.5085
800.640.4636
www.familypathfinder.org
www.caminoseguro.org
www.accessnashvilleonline.org

A bilingual (Spanish, Kurdish) information and referral service including a statewide HELPline, with local, state, and national resources available on the website.

*A project of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.*

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FRIDAY 7 MAY 2010
Interpreters Needed at Coleman Community Center

The Mayor’s office has requested bilingual volunteers who can lead the residents through the information seeking process- not necessarily translation just working with them to understand the info they need, especially FEMA info.

*Spanish Interpreters Needed:
Friday, May 7 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday May 8 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday May 9 12:00 pm - 6:00pm

*Arabic and Kurdish Interpreters Needed: Saturday May 8 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday May 9 12:00 pm - 6:00pm

You do not have to volunteer for the entire 8 hours.
If you would like to volunteer for a shorter shift, any amount of time is appreciated! Our goal is to have 3-4 interpreters there at all times! To register for a time Call or email Lindsey at [e-mail] or 615-833-0384 ext. 102 Details Coleman Community Center is located at 384 Thompson Lane Nashville TN 37211 at the corner of Thompson Ln. and Nolensville Rd. Once at Coleman, Gabby who works for the Mayor's Office should be able to assist you in getting set up.
Thanks for your help!

Tracy Pendergrass
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
1211 21st Ave S., Suite 539
Nashville, TN 37212
615-875-5084

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www.tnema.org/news/tema/?p=389

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Groups help replace medical equipment, supplies lost in flood By Jenny Upchurch
• THE TENNESSEAN • May 12, 2010

QUESTION: Many people may have lost medical equipment or supplies in the flood. Are there ways to get items such as wheelchairs replaced or prescription medications refilled?

ANSWER: United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee wants to let people know that it has all sorts of medical equipment to give free to people who need it, including wheelchairs.
The agency has walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, bath seats and handheld showers. It has items such as adult diapers. You must fill out a simple application and make an
appointment to receive items. You can do that online at ucpnashville.org or by calling 615-242-
4091. Pick-up is at the office at 1200 Ninth Ave. N. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

United Cerebral Palsy also needs donations, in particular of wheelchairs. You can call or drop off at the Ninth Avenue office.

-Help center for disabled

Those with disabilities can get referrals for help through Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, a statewide disability information resource center. Services are available in English and Spanish, with limited resources for Kurdish speakers.

You can reach it on a helpline, 1-800-640-4636, or by e-mail at [e-mail]. The Web site includes a special flood page, www.familypathfinder.org, in English and www.
caminoseguro.org for Spanish speakers. It is a project of the Tennessee Council on
Developmental Disabilities and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Here are some services for specific disabilities being offered on Pathfinder's website:

AutismCares is providing families with immediate financial assistance. There are no income
restrictions. Contact Kathy at [e-mail] or 615-238-1625.

The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee can provide for specific needs (e.g. men's clothing size large, towels, volunteers to help). Contact [e-mail] or 615-385-2077, ext. 1.

The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee has a Family Helpline, 1-877-757-2428, for survivors and/or families and caregivers.

The Disability Law and Advocacy Center can assist with issues regarding loss of prescription
medication and durable medical equipment, loss of Social Security check or inability to get to the location where the check was mailed.

For assistance, call 1-800-342-1660 or TTY 1-888-852-2852.

Prescription medicine

There is more help available if people have lost prescription medications or will need help getting them.

The Dispensary of Hope helps those without insurance. Call 1-888-428-4673 (HOPE) or visit
www.dispensaryofhope.org. It and Nashville General Hospital have opened the
Dispensary's Continued Access Program, which provides uninsured patients with long-term access to more than 2,000 medications to treat chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Patients can enroll by calling or visiting the Nashville General Hospital Social Services Department at 615-341-4125.

Access to Wellness: Johnson and Johnson provides assistance to uninsured and underinsured families. Patients can call 866-317-2775 or apply online at www.access2wellness.com.

The FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card, a program of the United Way, enables people to receive discounted pricing on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. This is not insurance. You can print the cards for free: www.familywize.org or 1-800-222-2818 No eligibility requirements.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance TN (PPARX) helps low-income, uninsured Tennessee residents get access to programs where they may qualify for free, or nearly free, prescription medicines. The national website is www.pparx.org and the Tennessee site is http://www.pparxtn.org; the phone number is 1-888-477-2669. Prescription Assistance for Kids is kids.pparx.org or 1-877-369-7477.

TennCare enrollees should contact their regular pharmacist if they need to replace medications.

If you have a general question about TennCare, call 1-866-311-4287, or to appeal a decision, call 1-800-878-3192.

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The Autism Society of Middle Tennessee (ASMT), Autism Speaks, and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all the families in the autism community that have been affected by the recent floods. We hope you are all safe, and we are working together to help individuals and families in need during this time.

Here's what you can do to help us in our efforts if...

YOU CAN GIVE ASSISTANCE

- Make a donation to AutismCares (specifically for families in TN affected by the flood) by going to blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/05/05/autismcares-tenn/.

- Donate Wal-Mart gift cards (send to ASMT, 955 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206) to be distributed to our ASMT, Autism Speaks, and VKC families in need.

- Volunteer to help families clean up their homes by calling 615-385-2077, ext. 1.

- Donate specific items that families need. Go to tinyurl.com/Community-Bulletin-Board for more information.

YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

- Contact [e-mail] or 888-288-4762 to request FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE from AutismCares (a division of Autism Speaks).

- Contact ASMT at [e-mail] or 615-385-2077, ext. 1 with a list of your specific needs (e.g. men's clothing size large, towels, volunteers to help you clean up your house, etc.).

- Contact Tennessee Disability Pathfinder at tnpathfinder.edu or 1-800-640-4636 for disability information resources in English and Spanish.

- Call 211 from any phone for quick referrals to Disaster Relief Services offered by the Office of Emergency Management including food, housing, and financial assistance from FEMA.

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may resources re: flooding at this Tennessean link:

data.tennessean.com/floodresource/

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Flood Assistance via DHS has been extended to May 28, 2010 for the following counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Hickman, Humphreys, Madison, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby, Sumner and Tipton.

Please click on the link below for more information:

www.state.tn.us/humanserv/flood/ExtendedEmerAssistflier_5-20.pdf

All other counties must have applied for assistance by today (May 20, 2010)!

Tracy L Pendergrass
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
1211 21st Ave S., Ste 539
Nashville, TN 37212
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Website: www.familypathfinder.org
Toll Free: 1-800-640-4636
Latino Resources: www.caminoseguro.org

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Flood Recovery Meeting – May 20, 2010 @ Center for Nonprofit Management

Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Household Program --http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/guide.shtm

Sequence of Delivery handout—in terms of the Relief Phase, the process goes first to personal insurance, then FEMA, then Small Business Association (SBA) loans, then other assistance. They encouraged people to apply for the SBA because these loans are for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Additionally, you can only access the other needs assistance (medical, dental, etc) after applying and being denied an SBA. Loans based on credit worthiness. 211 information covers 53 Middle TN counties. Kickoff meetings for agency nonprofits who have had flood damage to their properties. The first meeting will be Monday at 10 am location TBA but will be posted at www.nashville.gov/flood/.

Community Foundation – covers 40 counties in Middle TN; serve as a repository for undesignated cash contributions; funds are distributed through a committee process to organizations. There are NO grants to individuals directly from the Community Foundation. However, $ can go to individuals by business donor funds or funds that employers have for employees. Nonprofits can apply for flood relief at www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/nonprofit/. Housing will be their primary focus.

Condemned properties – codes handles condemning properties. In Metro it is estimated that between 500-2,500 properties will be in buy-out, but none are yet. For individuals, the recommendation was that they use the rental assistance and let the system work through the process to determine what properties will be condemned.

Case management – people will need long-term services; there will be additional monies for case management – will be a couple of weeks before know how this will happen.

Recovery Team Hosting Rebuild Housing Clinics this Saturday. Substantial Progress Made on Debris Removal and Building Permits Initial Estimates Available for Overtime Costs, Damage to Public Buildings www.nashville.gov/mayor/news/2010/pr/0519a.asp
Mayor Karl Dean and other Metro Government officials today announced several key milestones in Nashville’s ongoing flood recovery efforts.

REBUILD HOUSING CLINICS TO BEGIN MEETING WITH CITIZENS THIS SATURDAY
ReBuild Clinics will be held this weekend by appointment to provide one-on-one sessions designed to help Nashvillians affected by the flood pull together an action plan for moving forward with the recovery process. Initial clinics are scheduled for Saturday, May 22 in six locations. A team of advisors will help individuals and families evaluate the resources available to them and work with them to create a personal plan for recovery and rebuilding. Participants will have the option to schedule follow-up appointments at nonprofit sponsor agencies. They will also have the option of requesting follow-up case management.

Beginning Thursday May 20, individuals and families can call 862-6778 to make an appointment. Callers will be advised of the information they should bring with them to the ReBuild Clinic. Sessions—tailored for both renters and owners—will be conducted by three core team members familiar with disaster and housing resources, personal finance, and the construction process. Other disciplines such as legal, social service, CPAs will be on hand at each site to provide support as necessary.

Grace Church of the Nazarene, 2620 Pennington Bend Rd, Nashville, TN 37214

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1112 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Bellevue Church of Christ, 7401 Highway 70 South, Nashville, TN 37221

Antioch United Methodist, 41 Tusculum Road, Antioch, TN 37013

Riverwood Church of Christ, 1904 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

St. Luke's Community House, 5601 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209

www.nashville.gov/mayor/news/2010/pr/0519a.asp

Donna DeStefano - Tennessee Disability Coalition
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.tndisability.org

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Coping after the Flood: a Community Forum for Individuals with Disabilities and their Families

Wednesday, May 26, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. presented by Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

A natural disaster, like the floods that struck Middle Tennessee in May, leaves in its wake not only destruction of homes and possessions but disruption of lives in multiple ways. Everyone feels the stress of grieving for and replacing what was lost and trying to re-establish the structure and comfort of daily routines. Understanding what has happened and coping with stress affects us all but may be particularly distressing to children or adults with intellectual or other developmental disabilities. This Community Forum offers an opportunity to learn how others have managed following a natural disaster and to learn about community resources that can help you and your family cope and promote good mental health despite these difficult circumstances.

Lessons Learned

Terry Long, Susan Huskey, and Beth Huskey will share their experiences coping with the loss of their home destroyed by one of the tornadoes that struck Murfreesboro last year. Terry Long and Susan Huskey are both in special education, Long with the Division of Special Education in the Tennessee Department of Education, and Huskey as a teacher in special education. Their daughter Beth has Down syndrome.

Community Resources & Questions / Answers

Panelists will include:

Linda Ashford, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in Developmental Medicine and Assistant Professor of Psychology

Bruce Davis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Program Director

Kellye Carman, LMSW Mental Health Clinician, Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities Clinic at Vanderbilt

Nirupama Madduri, M.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in Developmental Medicine

David McMillan, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

Sheila Moore Executive Director, Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee

Elise McMillan, J.D. Moderator Co-Director, University Center for Excellence

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Room 241, MRL Bldg
[phone] | kc.vanderbilt.edu

Directions and parking information are available at the link below: kc.vanderbilt.edu/site/contact/default.aspx

For more information about this event, contact Amy Pottier, Communications Coordinator, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center [phone] | [e-mail]