Panel Profiles
PAS Project Director: Dana Gover
I have had a disability since 1979 due to a car wreck. I am the project director for LINC's PAS/MIG project. Currently, I am the President of LINC's Board of Directors and a participant on the Personal Assistant Oversight Committee. Over the years I have been involved with numerous boards and committees, i.e. a member of Co-Ad's Advisory board, SILC's board member, servied on a number of ADA/504 committees. The reason I am involved in the Personal Assistant Services project is because I belive that personal assistants are crucial to my independence; without their assistance, I would not be a contributing member to society. I would like to see these individuals get paid a livable wage, have benefits, and their jobs respected and recognized as a good job to have. Personal Assistants are my life line to independence.
Billy Norton - Region Chair
I have been a CNA for 16 years and a certified medication assistant for 10 years. I have worked in various nursing homes and I have been working as an attendant for LINC for 10 years. As a results of working in both facilities and doing in-home care, I have learned the importance of the elderly and/or people with disabilities to be able to stay in their homeas long as possible. I also have had the honor of assisting in the very final stages of a couple clients' lives as they have crossed over in their own homes, and each time confirmed my belief taht in home care truly is the best thing for our seniors and people with disabilities. I chose to bbe in the PAS program in hopes that my experiences could encourage and teach new attendants and assist more of our seniors and Americans with disabilities to have a choice.
Bobby Ball
I am the Executive Director of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Task Force. We provide technical assistance, training, and materials on the ADA and related laws. I participate in yearly, advanced-level ADA training from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissio, the Access Board, and the Department of Justice, and have worked in the field of ADA and disability for 18 years. Having a disability since 1989, it has been challenging having to rely day after day on a personal care attendant. I would like to participate on the state PAS Work Group to lend my opinion, experience, and vision of how the Centers can provide the best program and option for people with disabilities to manage their own care.
Chris Pruett