Ivan,
It troubles me to think the government feels it necessary to put you through this ordeal.  If there is anything I can do please let me know.  Why don't they put a video camera on you for 24 hrs. to see what you are really like?

Greg
48/35/35

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ivan M Suzman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 12:17 AM
Subject: Re: People's Court drama for PWP today


> Dear Mary and PIEN subscribers,
> 
> I had two off-periods while  called as a Witness , in the Maine DHS
> Hearing Room,  before the Court today for 4 hours. Maine is putting
> me through an ordeal that goes on and on, so I am not able to
> get enough time for positive energy to flow and create.
> 
> Maine doesn't seem to understand that I am NOT going to give in
> to being stuck away in a nursing home.
> 
> The State ,and also the provider of paychecks to my workers, the ALpha
> One
> Independent Living Center,  are trying to chop out 8 hours/day of my 13
> daily hours of personal care attendant (PCA) assistance.  I have
> had 13 since 1998.
> 
> I spent a large amount of time explaining and illustrating the meaning of
> "off-period" "low period" freezing episode" and dyskinesia
> when I was being cross-examined. I elaborated on how these different
> states affect PWP's.
> 
> Much of my evaluation centered on substantiating my claim
> that I am more disabled  than I appear to be when I appear in public.
> 
> I explained what it means to "fine-tune" your medications
> while remaining in conversation with your physician.
> 
> I was sworn in, answered questions for my attorney from the
> Disability Rights Center, Paul Tuttle of Lousiana,
> and questioned very hostilely by the Asst, Atty-General Ross.
> 
> I said on the record (while being taped) that the 10/20 assessment
> felt like an interrogation and confession forced out of   a
> totally innocent and unsuspecting person.
> 
> I was shocked when my neurologist's affidavit was invalidated
> andobjected to because it had no date on it (but it was dated
> on the FAX cover sheet), and tossed out; my primary witness's
> affidavit , a social worker's statement about my health
> for the last six months, was excluded because it supposedly
> did not cover the assessment week in October.
> 
> I am on consumer-directed Medicaid waiver for the physically
> disabled.
> 
> The state's star witness, Ms. Baldwin, interprets the Medicaid rules,
> sets thelow PCA pay rate and is in charge of my case.
> She  does not want me to drive , nor get around town by
> asking PCA's to drive me except to stores for food, banks , ie NO
> recreational, leisure and social activities are acceptable.
> 
> My mental health and social well-being  is somehow forgotten.
> Ms. Baldwin objects to my asking my PCAfor help to  prepare to
>  go to synagogue, and she specifically does NOT want me to sing
> in the choir with  PCA help.
> 
> Otherwise it could be fraud. So she wants me to  be
> confined to my house, except for  when friends are helping me.
> 
> The two opposing attorneys were given 10 days to submit
> written closing arguments about my future.
> 
> I am so glad this testifying job is over- at least it seems like
> I will not have to have the case re-opened in front of the Court.
> 
> Ivan Mfowethu Suzman
> 
> 
> On Mon, 1 Jan 2001 09:56:46 -0500 Mary Ann Ryan <[log in to unmask]>
> writes:
> > > And what happens if I have a freezing
> > > episode in the hearing room?
> >
> > Ivan, a freezing episode just might convince the court.   Think
> > about having
> > one.
> > -----
> > God bless
> > Mary Ann
> 
> ^^^^^^  WARM GREETINGS  FROM  ^^^^^^^^^^^^  :-)
>  Ivan Suzman        51/39/36       [log in to unmask]      :-)
>  Portland, Maine    land of lighthouses           deg. F   :-)
> ********************************************************************
>