Untitled Document

MAINE
ASSOCIATION OF
INTERDEPENDENT
NEIGHBORHOODS

Peace, Bread & Justice - MAIN logo

These comments were made at the MAIN conference, “Poor People’s Survival Guide in Today’s Economy,” on November 15 in Orono. Our goal was to bring people together to learn about and share practical ideas on things we can do as individuals or with others to make changes that will improve our lives. Eighty people did meet and share ideas. Some met at the conference and are now working together on issues that are important to them. Others were re-energized to continue the work they are already doing. Many said they learned something new, understood poverty better, appreciated the educational materials from different groups and enjoyed being with so many thoughtful and dedicated people.

MAIN is pleased that our first ever “issues” conference was a success! We will be sure to keep in mind suggestions made to improve future conferences, such as: make sure everyone has enough time to speak; be more specific about actions; narrow conference focus; and hold more than one conference to cut down on travel.

This conference gave people an opportunity to express their opinions and share their ideas about housing, work, health care and child protective services. On the following pages, we’ve tried to bring these opinions, experiences and ideas to you “in their words” as much as possible. We hope that this inspires you to learn more, ask questions, share your own ideas and get involved!

We also hope to hold another “issues” conference in the fall of 2005.

Root Causes of Poverty
Morning Panel Discussion

The poverty conference’s opening panel was dynamic and inspiring. Seven women with a long history in different organizations and from different life, work and educational backgrounds answered the question, “What are the root causes of poverty?” Here’s what they said.

Lack of understanding/empathy/connection.
Tax breaks for the rich while cutting social programs.
Pushing families off welfare to minimum wage or no jobs.
Corporations taking jobs to other countries & forcing our wages down.
Government and corporate greed are not helping meet our basic needs: transportation; housing; health care; child care; food; education.
Stigma on low-income children and adults: looked down on, not capable, unfit.
Public doesn’t know how bad things are.
People at the top don’t share enough of the profits we help make. Value profits more than people.
War drains our resources to meet the basic needs of people at home.
We allow our differences—race, class, gender, sexual orientation, nationality etc — to keep us from working together for change. Power in numbers!

Panel Discussion
The panel shared their powerful stories and experience in the war against poverty. When asked to participate, several panelist responded, “oh, I’m not really good at speaking in public.” Well, they blew us away with their wisdom, insight, and passion!

Sandy Butler, School for Social Work, University of Maine, Orono. Sandy shared these facts about the increase in poverty. 80 million Americans cannot pay their bills even though they are working as hard as they can. Between 2000-2002, 1.7 million more people lived in poverty; 600,000 more lived in severe poverty ($7,500 for a family of 3). In Maine, 22% of below-poverty households are single moms with children. Forty-five percent (45%) of below-poverty households are people living alone. In several Maine counties, close to 50% of them are 65 or older. Average hourly wage fell from 2002-2003. Many who left welfare (TANF) since the 1996 “welfare reform” found work but have not escaped poverty. 1 million adults and 2 million children who did receive TANF are today without a job or cash assistance. Forty percent (40%) of single parents pay one-half of their income for child care. In 2001, 44.5% of people were hungry or in danger of being hungry. In Maine, only 1 in 5 of those eligible for a housing voucher actually receive one.

Jesse Leah Vear, Portland Organizing to Win Economic Rights (P.O.W.E.R) and Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign. Jesse talked about how the lack of health care threw her into poverty causing her to lose her job, & a way to pay for medicines, heat, and food. Once she got Medicaid—it took over 1 year—she recalled, “Finally I was eligible to get the medication I desperately needed. Finally, I didn’t have to wait till I was desperately ill to go to the emergency room because finally I was eligible to see a doctor and receive physical therapy. Now that I’m eligible, I want to know what the heck eligibility has to do with meeting a human being’s basic needs? In the richest country on earth...why are over 45 million Americans considered ineligible to see a doctor?” She said that in this time of war, we are reminded, as Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, “A war abroad is always a war at home, and always a war on the poor.” Prisoners of war are entitled to food, shelter, and medical care. Many of us feel more like prisoners of war but without our entitlements! Jesse is involved in the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign. They collect personal stories about the effects of poverty to show that the government and corporations are violating our basic human rights by not providing for our basic needs. www.economichumanrights.org.

Jan Lightfoot-Lane, co-founder of Hospitality House-homeless hotline. Jan asked us to consider, “do I blame those who have less for my not having enough?” Her goal is to get more poor people’s voices heard by the public to show how big the problems are, and to change attitudes. When we ignore social problems today, it costs us more tomorrow. She is hopeful that we will Thrive! Contact HH: 1-800-438-3890.

Keita Whitten, graduate student at USM and PaS graduate. Keita challenged us to get uncomfortable with “white privilege.” This is when change will happen. We have a history in this country of using and abusing people—slavery, indentured servants, low-wage workers, job discrimination and segregation, child labor, etc—that needs to change. People in power fear losing it even when they see people hurting. We need to create a space to dialogue—talk & listen—to break down the stigma of poverty. Educate, educate, educate!

Jo Berry H.O.M.E. Inc. Jo talked about H.O.M.E. in Orland and the work they do together to feed, shelter, clothe and educate. The way to end poverty is to care about others, be creative in your solutions, work with others, work hard and be persistent. H.O.M.E.’s work to end poverty is a good community role model. Come find out about our work!

Kathleen Caldwell, Peace through Interamerican Community Action (PICA). Kathleen said that her recent trip to El Salvador with PICA was life changing. They visited with shirt factory workers who were making wages too low to feed their families; feared for their jobs and lives if caught talking with PICA; work in unsafe conditions; and are often separated from their families to get work. These are the jobs that U.S. corporations moved out of our states and into poor countries. The people of El Salvador are organizing to build an economy that supports people, not uses people to support an economy. We need to do the same! www.pica.ws

Maureen Flagg, Spruce Run, Greater Bangor domestic violence project. Maureen talked about how choosing to leave an abusive relationship, more often than not, means you choose poverty. The major barriers to a safe transition include: a lack of safe, affordable housing—long lists for housing vouchers and lack of good apartments/homes; lack of affordable and adequate public and private transportation; and lack of healthy, affordable food—Food Stamps were never intended to, and do not, cover all our food needs. She challenged us to volunteer and work with others to make changes.

Thank you all for the blessing of your words. And keep speaking up!

Written by Sara MacFarland who works at Southern Kennebec Co. Head Start and is a MAIN member, PaS graduate, and mom. Thanks Sara!

After the morning speakers, we broke down into small groups to share our own ideas about the causes and solutions to poverty. Here they are.

Use alternative economic communities when possible: food coops, business coops, second-hand clothing stores, clothing swaps, community land trusts, barter system, time-dollar networks.

Change the “personal responsibility” message to one of “social responsibility.”
Poverty/unemployment are part of capitalism. Challenge the stereotype that if you are poor, you have done something wrong. Collect and share personal stories as well as statistics and data. Help people see connections between issues. Talk about how issues affect not only an individual but also the community. Help them see the connection to their own lives. Anyone could be here. Walk a mile in my shoes. Listen to our youth!

Help build your community.
Be a part of your community. Attend local public meetings. Organize others to attend, speak up and share information. Run for local office. Know who’s in leadership and find out about their values. Find out about groups in your community, volunteer, and create new groups to address issues. Look for allies in churches, school groups, libraries, clubs, labor groups, poor people groups, women’s groups...

Re-evaluate American values.
Society does not reflect our “values” on “family” and “job security.” Challenge unjust laws. Know yourself and your own values before you talk with others so that you know what is right and why. Address beliefs and thinking early on in schools – “ethics education.” Base this education on the “golden rule”/common sense/compassion, not morals which vary among cultures and religions. Foster respect, self-esteem, and a real sense of community—true socialism—not guilt and greed.

Get involved in Elections at all levels.
Get involved in electing policy makers who understand and will make decisions that are people centered. Register to vote, vote, and get others to! Educate yourself. Talk with others.

Get educated then get involved.
Talk with legislators and candidates. Attend candidate forums. Watch TV or listen to radio debates and speeches. Check out candidate web sites and other “voter” web sites. Research the votes or opinions of current elected officials. Get rid of President Bush: research issues and be ready to talk about why his policies are not good for poor people. Hold a house party for a candidate or to discuss the issues. Organize in your workplace. Find out who contributes to candidates. Question where our federal tax dollars go: “corporate welfare”; war and nuclear weapons; prison system.

Be active in a political party.
Maine Democratic Party: Town caucuses are Sunday, February 8, 2004. Contact MDP at 622-6233, or democrats@mainedems.org, or : www.mainedems.org.
Maine Green Independent Party: Portland office 772-1414; Augusta, 623-1919, www.mainegreens.org
Maine Republican Party, Check for caucus dates 622-6247, or Dwayne@MaineGOP.com, or www.mainegop.com.

Speak up!
Take people to the State House and teach them how to get involved. Introduce others to MAIN, POWER and other groups led by low-income people. Discuss issues with people in your family, community, workplace, and to the media - write letters to editor in the newspaper, get media to events. Let others know when there’s a problem. Talk about an issue important to you: head start testing; the need for well-funded health care; how paying better wages is better for children; why adequate funding of education, social programs, and job supports brings security to us all. Be positive when possible. Create a citizens lobby group. (see Bob Philbrook Citizen Advocacy Corps)

Change the outdated federal poverty levels (FPL)
Currently, a family of 2 adults and 2 children with income below $18,400 is considered poor. The current FPL’s are based on 1963 figures updated for inflation. They also ignore important costs for low-income families like child care.

Examine our prison system.
Take focus away from punishment and deal with the root causes (e.g. alcohol/substance abuse; childhood abuse/violence). Create group homes, half-way houses, and community based corrections. Deal with problems before they get this far. Fund mental health services to meet needs. Teach parent/child communication. Create affordable housing. Free health care/preventive health care. Meaningful education.

Create a national healthcare system. Maine Peoples Alliance, www.mainepeoplesalliance.org

“Poverty is not just about not having enough money; it’s also about not having the things you need to take part in society, and how hard that is on you and your family.”

Food for Thought: Conference goers respond to the quote above in their own words or
shared their thoughts or quoted others about poverty and related subjects.

“Poverty is about...not having an address to put on the resume to get the job I needed
to pay for a home and the transportation I needed to get to that job that I didn’t get because it’s hard to reach someone at Camp Site 12.”

“How do I find time to care about politics when I’m busy either feeding/housing/clothing my children? If I do have an easier time feeding/clothing/housing my children, all the messages I get from the media point to the importance of waterproof mascara, cell phones with red, white and blue face plates, and Sponge Bob curtains for my child’s windows. Where will I find time or energy to care?”

“A place where all are fed, have a bed and contribute.” Jan

If there’s feelings between certain people, it’s discouraged by society or by those who have power over you.

“I want to know what the heck eligibility has to do with meeting a human being’s
basic needs?”

“The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the
battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and all to lose especially their lives” Eugene V. Debs

“…There are millions of poor people in this country who have very little, or even nothing, to lose. If they can be helped to take action together, they will do so with a freedom and a power that will be a new and unsettling force in our complacent national life…” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Fascism should more properly be called corporatism since it is the merger of state and
corporate power.” Mussolini

Workshop Report: Supporting Ourselves and Our Families

Four speakers discussed different concerns about low-wage and living-wage work.

Sally Daniels represented the Maine Educational Opportunities Center (MEOC). The center helps prospective students with college planning, financial aid, and career planning. Elizabeth, an advisor at MEOC said, "Anyone can get help from this program regardless of financial need. We’re always looking for people who need our support….we want to help!”

Sara MacFarland, a Head Start worker, spoke about her experience trying to organize a union at work. She felt it was her calling to do this work. The 13 Head Start agencies across the state work with preschool to five year old children and their parents. Head Start helps empower families to know about their choices and to make their own decisions. Head Start workers are underpaid making it hard to live. This is why Sara and others are working to organize a union.

Roxanne Munksgaard, a community organizer and agitator in the Greater Bangor area talked about pushing for a living wage. She shared a flyer about the Universal Living Wage Campaign. She also talked about flex time. We learned that higher income workers get more paid time off from work while lower income workers don’t get this privilege. Munksgaard said that we need to work together and form unions, or just get a union job. We also need to elect people who will represent us on work issues. We need to organize and stand together in solidarity and vote!

Chris Hastedt from Maine Equal Justice discussed living wage and low-wage work. In Maine 150,000 people are earning less that $8.00 an hour, and $6.25 is currently the minimum wage. Maine has been slowly increasing the minimum wage, but it’s still far from a living wage. Being able to earn a decent wage also depends on education and financial aid availability. We need to talk with everyone about low-wage work issues like sick leave. It’s hard to take time off from work if we’re not paid. And often, workers can’t use sick time to care for a family member. We also need to work together to make sure that the Dirigo Health Plan succeeds so that more people can get affordable health care.

The group then created this list of ways to tackle low-wage work issues so we can better support our families and ourselves:

Workshop Report: Providing for Our Housing Needs

People from a variety of backgrounds came together in this workshop to inform and be informed about housing problems faced by many Maine people. Each of the speakers focused on different aspects of housing, all wanting to see improvements. They explained their programs or involvement, including: Kelly Glidden, an AmeriCore/Vista Volunteer working with Maine Affordable Housing Network; Steve Hoad, a housing advocate with Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; Claire Bolduc with the Maine Coalition to End Homelessness; Lucy Poulin of H.O.M.E.Inc./Community Land Trust; Antoinette Pezet of the Portland Tenants Union; and Russ Anderson, MAIN activist/AbilityMaine/ Waldoboro housing project group.

First we shared basic information, and then discussed causes and statistics on the current housing crisis. We had a brainstorming session to list some things we can all do to help.

We learned that the governor recently moved a large amount of funds from the Real-estate Transfer Tax into the general fund to help with the budget deficit. This money is usually used to help with housing needs. It was suggested that we all ask the governor and legislators to use these funds only for housing.

Keep informed about last year’s referendum on tax reform since we need to vote on this again in June. Hopefully, others will offer different ideas before then.

We also talked about people who are forced to leave their family homes because new development is driving taxes way up. See if we need a constitutional amendment to lock those taxes in place.

Encourage people to share their personal stories about high property taxes and other issues like substandard housing with policy makers.

We also heard that towns are being educated about land use and compact housing in order to reverse the effects of NIMBY, "not in my back yard!"

Lastly, we all agreed that investing in and promoting the land trust model is wise because it not only provides affordable housing but conserves land.

Written by Rachael Demers of Topsham, a conference participant.

Section 8 housing voucher funding update. On January 22, the US Senate passed the omnibus appropriations bill which includes 2004 “Section 8” housing vouchers. The House approved the bill on Dec. 8. When state and local housing agency reserve funds are factored in, it appears that there will be enough funding to cover all vouchers likely to be in use in 2004. The voucher program helps more than 2 million low-income households, most either working families with children or the elderly and disabled. In Maine, due to lack of funding only one in five families that are eligible ever gets a voucher. Work on the 2005 budget is underway.
Action: Contact Congress—Increase Section 8 funding!
Senator Snowe, 1-800-432-1599, olympia@snowe.senate.gov
Senator Collins, 622-8414, senator@collins.senate.gov
Rep. Allen, 774-5019, rep.tomallen@mail.house.gov
Rep. Michaud, 942-6935, rep.mikemichaud@mail.house.gov
More information: www.centeronbudget.org

Workshop Report: What’s New in Health Care?

The workshop speakers were Mary Henderson, Maine Equal Justice and member of the board of directors of Dirigo Health; Jack Fuller, Maine Oral Health Solutions; and Mary McPherson, Maine Equal Justice health care outreach advocate.

Dirigo Health

Mary Henderson presented a general overview of the creation of Dirigo Health. We discussed how it is a step toward universal coverage. In order for it to be successful, we must take the long view – beware of easy fixes. For more information about Dirigo Health, see the August 2003 issue of MAIN Update.

Medicaid

Cuts in Medicaid are expected in order to deal with the current deficit and to prevent a future deficit. We must be creative in how we do this. Keep in mind: Who profits? Who will be harmed?
Examine and promote prevention and wellness health care.

Empower low-income folks to speak up.
Use Waterville Head Start mothers’ clinic as a model.
Strengthen message: unify around Pro-issue!
Theme: Take Control of Your Health Care System!
Capture hearts: tell peoples’ stories. Show the connections—how does it affect myself, family, neighborhood, town, state, country.

Money

Where is it going? Look into the money trail; how can we better use the $$$ we have? Demand accounting/records.

We should be pro-active not re-active. Inform yourself. Learn the law. Know your rights. Ask questions. Don’t just react.

Things that kept coming up during the discussion:

Dental and mental health are often overlooked or left out of the discussion about health care needs. We need to increase services and access to both.
People most in need—for example, those living in very rural areas—are the least able get health care because of poverty.
Use technology to improve access. Create “remote video sites” so that transportation to services would be less of a problem then provider could spend more time with more people because travel time would be eliminated.

Go to www.mejp.org for “Who’s Covered, Who’s Not” and other info on health care.

Workshop Report: Protecting Our Families

This was one of the most popular workshops at the conference.

Mary Callahan, foster parent, author of Confessions of a Child Stealer, organizer of Walk for DHS Accountability. Mary said that the most abusive parents she witnessed were from upper income families, and they got their children back. She felt that in many situations parents were going through a bad time—not a pattern of abuse. The most common ways to come to the attention of DHS: 1) ask for help; 2) be reported by a friend or family member who is angry with you; or 3) live in poverty which is seen as neglect. After a child is taken from a family, the parent(s) are often required to pay child support to the state. The state pays between $11 and $85 per day for foster care. There are also allowances for clothing, recreation, and other extras. Foster parents often keep quiet if they think a child has been removed for insufficient reasons because of fear of losing money and/or fear of DHS retribution. Mary is working with parents, policy makers, community groups and others to improve Child Protective Service. To get involved, contact: maryec_98@yahoo.com or www.tfcm.org or 353-4223.

Bette Hoxie, Family Connections. Bette invited people to learn about her organization, Family Connections, that provides support services for relatives who provide foster care. www.affm.net/php/familyconnections.php

Pat Ende, Maine Equal Justice. Pat talked about improvements with substantiation. If DHS gets a child abuse or neglect complaint against you, they may investigate you, and your name may be put on a substantiation list if DHS believes the allegations are true, even if no charges are brought in court. Having your name on this list may prevent you from getting a job working with children. To make sure that people on this list have a right to appeal, MEJP worked to change the law. As of February 2000, the people on this list became entitled to a paper review by DHS. As of November 1, 2003 anyone who becomes substantiated has a right to a review - paper review, then fair hearing. Legislative action is contemplated to deal with those put on the list prior to November 2003. More information: www.ptla.org/substantiation.htm

Pat also talked about victims of domestic violence being accused of neglect for not leaving or not leaving soon enough. He's also concerned that people in a mental health crisis are treated differently from those in a physical health crisis. Pine Tree Legal Assistance will consider representing persons in those two situations. In one situation, a parent in a mental health crisis was accused of neglect when she brought her child with her as she sought emergency admission for a mental health crisis. He's never heard of this happening with an emergency hospitalization for a physical problem.

Dean Crocker, Children’s Ombudsman, said he works for the Governor not DHS. He provides information to the Governor and DHS on what is happening and what should be different. He also helps families get needed services. He feels changes in policy are the way to improve the system. Child and Family Services should be geared toward the whole family not just the children. Seventy-two percent of the CPS budget is spent on out-of-home care for kids. Higher income families don’t lose their children as often because they can afford a private lawyer, and their own expert witnesses, clinicians, etc. A state appointed lawyer typically gets paid about $600 per case, and seldom brings in outside experts or orders outside evaluations. FMI about the Children’s Ombudsman: 623-1868 www.mainechildrensalliance.org/am/publish/OMBabout.shtml

Terrilyn Simpson, investigative journalist. Terri investigated the death of Logan Marr who was in foster care. Logan’s mother was poor, uneducated, and young with attractive, bright children. Logan’s therapist knew of the abuse at the hands of the foster mother and did not report it. The therapist has never had repercussions nor has the caseworker. Logan Marr’s family had 18 therapists. DHS and its contractors must be held accountable.

Suggestions from participants.

Merger: Concern that merging the DHS and Behavioral and Developmental Services (BDS) will sweep problems under the rug. Deal with the problems first. Research what other states do better. Keep what works in place. Remove some people at the top.

Curb DHS Power: Those doing evaluations should be independent of DHS. Take away DHS power to contract. Parent should be able to disagree with evaluations and reunification plan and be able to get an independent evaluation. Should be allowed to waive confidentiality. Court proceedings need to be open. DHS uses confidentiality as an excuse for not answering: how many poor people lose their children?

Help Families: Don’t take children who can be helped at home. Look at “total effect” of removing children. See child protective services as a last step – find out what parents need (e.g. safe housing, health care, parenting help, education etc). There are enormous waiting lists for services that would help to preserve and promote family unity. Who’s going to pay for all that is needed? Double standard for the rich and poor. Place non-DHS social workers in schools to help parents and children identify resources when they have problems. Families need allies who aren’t vulnerable to the system to help hold DHS accountable. Hold community discussions to educate others.

Improve Casework: Re-train workers in people services, family unification, and truthfulness. Open respectful communication - “walk a mile in others shoes.” All workers should be trained social workers. Workers should be from the same background as parents. Seasoned workers should do safety assessments. Establish criteria for “seasoned worker.” Enforce law on the number of cases per worker (17 cases). Families should have the right to change workers based on such things as a conflict of interest, not getting good representation or support. Substantiate caseworkers – put them in data base – when they mess up.

Other: Legislators who directly benefit from a program should not be allowed to vote on bills that affect that program. Conflicts of interest should be brought to public attention. Attorneys need to be held accountable – malpractice – is legislation needed? Spend as much on the parent’s attorney as on those representing DHS. Put more money into legal services to hold DHS accountable in the courts. Provide school loan forgiveness to attorneys who commit a certain amount of time to CPS cases.

Department of Human Services Child & Family Services www.state.me.us/dhs/bcfs/index.htm

Resources

Bob Philbrook Citizen Advocacy Corps: A group wants to create a citizen advocacy corps in honor of Bob who passed away in September. They want to train a core group of full-time community organizers and advocates. FMI: 775-0270 citizenbob@maude.us

H.O.M.E. Inc. (Homeworkers Organizing for More Employment), P.O. Box 10, Orland, ME 04472 469-7961 www.homecoop.net homecoop@homecoop.org

Maine Affordable Housing Network P.O. Box 268, Wiscasset, ME 04578 882-7552 hlb@ceimaine.org

Maine Children’s Alliance www.mekids.org 623-1868 Mainekids@mekids.org

Maine Coalition to End Homelessness Mary Ann Gleason, president. 749-0577 maegleason@aol.com

Maine Educational Opportunity Center
Free help with college planning, financial aid, and career planning: 1-800-281-3703

Onward Program Academic and support services for non-traditional, low-income or students with disabilities 581-2319, onward@umit.maine.edu
www.umaine.edu/onward/

P.O.W.E.R. (Portland Organizing to Win Economic Rights) 681-0035 power@riseup.org P.O. Box 4281, Portland, ME 04101 POWER is part of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign a multiracial movement uniting the poor as the leadership base to abolish poverty. 267-235-8982, www.economichumanrights.org

Portland Tenants Union: 775-0270 P.O. Box 4189, Portland, ME 04101 info@portlandtenants.org www.portlandtenants.org

Women’s Resource Center
University of Maine, 5728 Fernald Hall, Orono, ME 04469 581-1508 Faye.boyle@umit.maine.edu

Women Unlimited Career exploration and training for women in non-traditional jobs. 623-7576 staff@womenunlimited.org

Changing Maine Directory Statewide directory of grassroots social action/service groups & green businesses Larry Dansinger—ROSC, P.O. Box 776, Monroe, ME 04951, 525-7776, invert@acadia.net

Websites: Many have links to other sources.
www.maineindymedia.org Maine Independent Media
www.kwru.org Kensington Welfare Rights Union
www.pbs.org/now TV news magazine
www.manyandone.dod.net Many & One Coalition, Lewiston
www.democracynow.org (progressive press)
www.communitychange.org Center for Community Change

Info. on domestic and global issues, congressional voting records, e-mail action network, links to other sources. Help ordinary citizens have a voice.
www.MoveOn.org
www.truthout.org
www.voices4change.org
www.truemajority.org
www.costofwar.com
www.pica.ws

www.mejp.org Maine Equal Justice, info on public policy, social programs, rights & responsibilities, and action opportunities. Linked to other web sites like MAIN and Pine Tree Legal—www.ptla.org

www.abilitymaine.org Maine's Online News Magazine and Resource Guide for People With Disabilities