Sandi's Goodby Message

To Disability Connection Family and Friends:

How many ways can I say thank you, I can’t count the ways!!! I’m no Emily Dickinson but 25 years plus with the most incredible organization anywhere ever deserves some thanks! Please be patient while I share a few..

Thank you Access All Areas for giving a scared 30 year old single mom a chance and a path. Thank you Deborah Cunningham for seeing some potential, the verbal head smacks and the start of my disability power.

Thanks to the 10th ADA Anniversary Torch Relay for making me learn email and other computer skills and introducing me to some new life long friends, Judy Neal and Tim Wheat, to reconnect with others like the late Louis Patrick, current Board member Gary Smith and others that had introduced me to disability world on my first staff run.

From Deborah’s assistant and secretary in the 80’s, some “Centered” projects in the 90’s to the 2000’s honor of Program and Assistant Director then Executive Director in 2015. Wow, so much life, so much learning, sharing, laughter and tears and all the people who have shared the good and bad times at Memphis Center for Independent Living, thank you.

A huge thank you to the staff throughout the years and especially those who stuck through the lean times after Deborah died or came back to help us pick up the pieces like my friend Renee who made the other half of me for our 1st year in 2000, 2001 as new management at MCIL as Renee tried to turn me from Mom to Boss to the IL team.

Michael Heinrich went from full-time volunteer to the Tech Administrator to bookkeeper when Renee retired. Somewhere in there he became my guy and he still hangs in there, thanks babe!

Our VISTA volunteers became a vital resource to staff and we gained a fantastic Independent Living Specialist who has introduced the Center to Blind culture and the Center to that community. Today Christina is the Outreach and Development Manager and still serves as senior IL specialist because she has the touch.

The rest of team with the help of friends, family and consumer helped select the new name for the Center of Disability Connection Midsouth to clearly share who we are; people with disabilities connecting others to resources, providing peer support, training, nursing home and youth transition and above all teaching others how to be their own best advocates and that the change begins with each of us.

My retirement was expected by everyone but the reality of this new life is just sinking in or will begin to after the Italian supper. The Board is hard at work to find the right new Executive Director to lead DCM and I know that the team and Center will be good as Tim Wheat, Program Director steps up as Interim Director while the search continues. Please give your best wishes and support to Disability Connection Midsouth during this time of incredible opportunities!

Thank you DCM for helping me find my voice, to own my disability and my power to make a difference, sometimes one ‘starfish’ at a time… Lead on my family of advocates and don’t count me out because I will continue to advocate as if my life depends on it because we all know, It Does! Are you in?

Love you all!

Sandi, formerly the Boss

Farewell Sandi

 Celebrating the Legacy of Sandi Klink: MCIL’s Heart and Executive Director Retires

After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the Memphis Center for Independent Living, now Disability CONNECTION Midsouth, Executive Director Sandi Klink is retiring. Her leadership has shaped the organization into a cornerstone of the Memphis disability community, advocating for independence, accessibility, and equal rights for people with disabilities. As she steps down, her legacy of activism, compassion, and perseverance leaves an indelible mark on the city and beyond.

For 25 years, Sandi Klink has been the heart of MCIL, leading the organization with a pragmatic Southern charm and an unyielding passion for justice. Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to get things done, Sandi wasn’t just the Executive Director—she was a listener, an advocate, and a problem-solver who always placed the needs of the disability community first. Whether negotiating funding or tackling public transit, Sandi’s leadership was guided by a vision of independence for all. Sandi was the heart and soul of the organization.

Sandi and the Center have played a pivotal role in advocating for and improving curb ramps, accessible sidewalks, and paratransit services throughout the city. She personally with her direct style, yet soft approach has built and strengthened partnerships with local, state and national disability organizations, amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. She oversaw the Center’s reach into Fair Housing for people with disabilities so that our community was not left out. Mostly for thousands of Memphians with disabilities, she has enhanced independent living skills and peer support, creating long-term impact for the community. Often one person at a time.

One of Sandi’s most defining moments came during her behind-the-scenes support at the ADAPT actions. Sandi quietly delivered hundreds of hamburgers to sustain ADAPT activists all over the United States. During the long takeover of the Tennessee Governor’s office, she made sure that MCIL continued to run smoothly. She didn’t grandstand, but without her dedicated support, the work simply would not get done. The thing about her dedication and support behind-the-scenes is just that now it is hard to express just how thankful and helpful Sandi has been to us all. 

Sandi’s influence has extended far beyond the walls of MCIL. Her tireless dedication has been felt throughout Memphis, across Tennessee and throughout the US where her quiet but effective activism ensured that people with disabilities had a voice in critical decisions. She was never one to seek the spotlight, but at the Statewide Independent Living Council and other necessary and glamourless jobs she took charge and did the important work.

From delivering meals to activists to advocating for better policies, Sandi’s work has touched countless lives. Her steady hand and fierce commitment have ensured that Disability CONNECTION Midsouth remains a beacon of support for the disability community.

We hope that Sandi does find time for some personal traveling—specifically, visiting New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and history. Of course, we have her volunteering on too many projects now for her to leave. But, we hope that this marks a new chapter for a woman who has given so much of herself to the people of Memphis and beyond.

Though Sandi’s retirement marks the end of an era, her influence will be felt for years to come. Disability CONNECTION is poised to continue her work, building on the foundations she laid and continuing the fight for accessibility and independence. The organization’s future remains bright thanks to the tireless efforts and the values she instilled over her 25 years of leadership.

Thank You, Sandi!

As we bid farewell to Sandi Klink in her role as Executive Director, we offer our deepest gratitude for her 25 years of service. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have shaped Disability CONNECTION and the people today and over the past 25 years. Sandi’s legacy of advocacy will continue to inspire the work we do, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on her next adventure.

Parking Problems Again?

Memphis issues with the accessible parking aisle.

By Sandi Klink

I don’t understand why people in 2023 can’t read parking signs or acknowledge that the crossed lines next to the parking spot mean DON’T PARK HERE!

Even before the Americans with Disabilities Act passed into law in 1990, accessible parking was a convenience needed by many seniors and people with mobility issues. “Handicapped parking” has been clearly marked and fine amounts have been posted for anywhere from $20 to $200 depending on the location but who enforces the fines? NO ONE! 

Security guards in most parking lots don’t enforce and allow people to park in access aisles daily. Many officers don’t even understand what an access aisle is! 

Just as a reminder, an access aisle provides clearance for an individual with a mobility aid to get in and out of their vehicle. For instance, I use a power wheelchair and an accessible van. The ramp deploys from under the floor after the ramp door has opened. It extends into the access aisle several feet and then I must have room to get off the ramp at the bottom, at least another 3 feet to turn. 

I am a very independent woman and am most often shopping, making presentations, attending church, town halls, etc. by myself. If I can find a van parking spot with appropriate access, I will park. But often of late I have exited my errand or work event to find that the access aisle is now full of a car. 

I do understand the frustration of needing close parking and not finding any, but denying access to someone else, making them wait for the car to move or going to shops or offices nearby to see if anyone knows who parked in the access aisle is more than likely to cause some flared tempers and inappropriate responses. 

Sometimes I have a family member or coworker who rides with me and can pull the van out and let the ramp out for me but not often. What would you do if your independent mother or grandmother were in a similar spot?

Not only old people, like me, use accessible parking spaces. There are lots of parents with growing children with disabilities who use wheelchairs and need the extra room for Mom or Dad to help them transfer out of the car without worrying about someone whipping a little car into that spot. 

One in four people in our area are people with some type of disability. Not all need an accessible parking space, but those of us who do should have that right. We should expect our rights to live, work and play and yes park to be observed and if not we must find ways to remind others that violating my civil rights may result in civil disobedience…

MCIL Housing Roundtable

Collaboration and networking to solve housing problems

Notes

Sandi Klink, the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living welcomed everyone to this first quarterly roundtable on housing. She said she hoped that we would all share opportunities for collaboration and work for real change for Memphis.
 
Sandi discussed the purpose for the roundtable development:

• Share an overview of current housing services and programs
• Share understanding of needs- individuals served and organizationally
• Share challenges
• Share opportunities for collaboration and change
  

Each individual was urged to a seat at the table and given an opportunity to tell a bit about why they were present, how they were involved in the housing community and changes needed:

• More Low income, accessible, integrated housing referral
• How do we get more listed for referral sites or removed
• Low income, accessible homes landlord registry
• Oversight of tenant based apt. complexes: pests, water, elevators, etc.
• Domestic violence survivors’ emergency housing
• Fair market and some low income housing requiring 3 times the rent in income
• More universal design requirements or extra points in applications for funding for inclusion of these elements
• Aging in Place - ramps, modifications, for those with needs under 60 years old
• Homeowner assistance for emergencies- hot water tanks, rotting floors, etc.
• Homeless and Emergency shelter for people with mobility disabilities or significant health concerns, physical and mental or behavioral needs
• What policy priorities might we work on for Memphis and Shelby County to support housing integration?

The roundtable discussion began with some statements about the general condition of affordable, accessible and integrated housing in our area. Sandi had pointed out that although the Habitat for Humanity program provides for home repair and home modification for people over 62, there are people with disabilities who also need modifications. Also considering housing that is not safe.

Many people with disabilities contact agencies and those that are moving from institutional settings have very little income. Most importantly, access to transportation was a critical part of housing and community need.

Mario Reed mentioned that even new construction was not accessible and he had several lawsuits currently about accessibility and the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the ADA.

The group dealt with the question of a list of accessible homes and apartments. The direct answer was there was no list, but agencies have used the THDA database and other sources. All were incomplete.

Paul Young suggested that this was an opportunity. He suggested something like the green homes initiative and energy efficiency as a selling point for the community.  MCIL could promote universal design as a selling point.

Sandi Klink brought up the problems with the focus on Congregate Living situations or CLS housing. Some care coordinators see this as the only option for institutional release and people with disabilities are again facing segregated housing. She told about the advantage of integrated housing and community involvement of persons with disabilities.

HCD asked about geography and what areas had the most problems with access. MCIL said the Center has that information but had not done any geographic analysis because they are charged with serving all people with disabilities.

MCIL committed to providing HCD with data that would assist with geographic analysis.

Sandi Klink noted that in the past Randy had done some analysis on where housing for people with disabilities was. Generally, there was a cluster of high-rises that provided general accessibility and affordably. Not only was there a cluster, but renters could also expect that the units were not clean or safe and that there is always a recurring problem with elevators. 

Paul Young again spoke about making geographically smart decisions and that we must think of housing and transportation together. Responding to the idea that both housing needs, neighborhoods and bus routes change, he argued that HCD must concentrate in areas of most need. He suggested, “sprinkling money around,” was generally ineffective and inefficient at solving housing issues.

Mr. Young challenged the crowd on how to get affordable housing in “areas of opportunity.” He suggested that providing incentives may help to guide development and that HCD would look at a full list of policy initiatives that would be helpful to people with disabilities.

The development of townhomes was of particular concern. The accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Amendment Act do not  apply to townhomes and multi-story units. It would make a good policy initiative if Memphis were not to fund those types of housing because they conflict with “aging in place,” concepts and they create segregated areas.

Income discrimination was also listed as a possible policy initiative. Because landlords are reported to require a potential tenant to have an income of two or three times the monthly rent. People with disabilities; however, may have a completely unique income. With housing vouchers, not having car payments and different health care enrollment, some people with disabilities have a very different overall percentage of housing affordability, but the typical income formula is still applied to all renters.

The group pointed out the expense of retrofitting homes and apartments. People with disabilities make up a higher proportion of renters because the Fair Housing Amendments Act impacts rental units and no law makes single-family homes accessible. The Urban Institute survey found generally that 17.4% of Memphis apartments asserted some accessibility. Comparatively, Boulder-Denver was above 85%. Bobbie Fields asked “What can we do, especially for the 25 to 50 years age group of people with disabilities who also want to buy a home?”

Sandi Klink asked the group to come up with ways that we can help each other.

Builders from L Strategies said they are ready to build, not cheap, if someone could be qualified for a loan. United Housing is also looking for people who wish to buy a home.

This was seen as another opportunity to design ways to help people to purchase a home.  HCD suggested that HOME grants may help to benefit new construction and rehab as long as they benefit people with low and moderate incomes. HCD wishes to align the Consolidated Plan they are developing now with the Memphis 3.0 plan. The City is looking to partner with people with disabilities. Also working with Green and healthy homes, potentially have a registry of landlords and incentives for low income renters.

Individual problems were mentioned such as people with cognitive disabilities taken advantage of and landlords demanding payment for “work orders” on individual units. The difficulty of deaf access and emergency repairs programs were considered. Problems with access at emergency housing shelters and no accessible women’s shelter was mentioned. 

To do:

• Felicia will ask that Green and Healthy Homes include MCIL and Safety Center
• MCIL will send addresses of Home Modification wait list
• MCIL will compile notes from first meeting
• Group will continue quarterly, Tentative Date is Thursday, May 23
  

Date and Time: February 20, 2019, from 2:PM to 3:30
Location: 5100 Poplar Ave. Eight-floor Conference Room
Reported by: Sandi Klink and Tim Wheat
Next Roundtable: Tentative Date is Thursday, May 23

MCIL asks Congress to preserve disability aspects of the ACA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:

Sandi Klink 901-726-6404

The Memphis Center for Independent Living today called on Sen. Lamar Alexander to preserve critical components of the Affordable Care Act which secure the rights of people with disabilities to live in the community and provide vital healthcare services.  MCIL is joining disability rights organizations, the National Council on Independent Living and Centers for Independent Living all over the US in asking that Congress keep items necessary for the independence of people with disabilities.

“The Center has a long history of supporting people with disabilities right to live and work in the community like everyone else,” said Sandi Klink the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. “The loss of these programs will hit Tennessee taxpayers harder. We hate to see the dissolution of the common-sense programs in the healthcare law that will force people back into expensive institutions.”

Congressional Republicans are moving legislation that eliminates the Community First Choice Option (CFCO) by 2020 as part of a strategy to cut Medicaid funding for individuals with disabilities. CFCO, which was introduced as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides enhanced Federal funds to states, is the only current Medicaid program aimed at ensuring people with disabilities’ right to live in the community. CFCO saves states millions of taxpayer dollars and grant disabled citizens the freedom to decide where they want to live.

The concern is that in capping or block granting Medicaid congressional Republicans are setting limits on how many people with disabilities can transition from institutions into the community, and eliminating CFCO restores the Medicaid bias toward institutionalization that MCIL and the Disability Community has long fought to reverse.

The right to live in the community was first recognized in Federal law in the Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead case. The years since have seen the growth of centers for independent living as Disability Rights organizations have made community integration one of their primary concerns.

PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES INDEPENDENCE

WHEN: 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 22, 2017

WHERE: 1633 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104