The Center provides the opportunity for individuals with a disability to share information, experiences, strategies, etc. with another individual who has experienced similar types of problems, barriers, and obstacles.
The Center provides assistance in the application process to the various agencies that provide economic benefits such as SSI/SSDI, food stamps, Medicaid, HEAP, etc. In addition, the Center will provide information and assistance on work incentive programs such as PASS (Plan for Achieving Self Support), IWRE (Individual Work Related Expenses), etc. The Center will also provide information and technical assistance about how your benefits will be affected when you enter or re-enter the workforce.
The Center provides information on a wide variety of topics related to disability and disability related issues. We have an extensive library that contains information about specific disabilities, adaptive equipment, service providers, etc. The Center provides referral services to other applicable agencies, organizations, vocational rehabilitation, etc.
BackThe Center provides individuals with assistance in accessing benefits, services and programs to which they may be entitled. The Center may act as a liaison between the individual with a disability and the agency or program they are trying to access. The Center also is always working to effect changes in laws, policies, regulations, etc. in disability related issues. The Center advocates with government, employers, educators, and others for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
The Center provides instruction and assistance in the development of independent living skills in such areas as personal care, employability skills, financial management and budgeting, coping skills, self-determination and self-advocacy skills etc. Included in this area is the education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities.
The Center provides referrals to appropriate agencies who provide personal care attendants.
BackThe Center provides advice, technical information and/or assistance in the removal of physical and programmatic barriers from public or privately owned residences, government buildings, local businesses, and other private and public owned facilities. Center representatives will visit your location assess your accessibility needs and provide written information on ways to improve your accessibility.
The Center offers a variety of employment related services to assist people with disabilities in the preparation and attainment of employment. Services include resume writing, job skills training, job search skills, interview skills, and training on the impact working has on benefits such as SSDI, SSI, etc. As an Employment Network the Center works with SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients who have received a "Ticket" from the Social Security Administration and want to go to work. In addition to employment services already discussed, the Center will assist the Ticket holder with:
a. having the opportunity to do some career exploration
b. developing the skills necessary to obtain work receiving the necessary training to obtain work job placement assistance
BackThe Center provides individuals with information about the latest technology available in assistive and adaptive equipment. We provide referrals to adaptive equipment providers.
The Center will speak to groups of all types about issues related to independent living, Center services and programs, and any other disability related issue. We do not charge for speaker services.
The Center provides information and technical assistance about the ADA to individuals or groups. The Center assists individuals with disabilities in learning about their rights under the ADA. The Center also provides ADA information to employers, landlords, business owners, etc.
Services that assist individuals with disabilities in moving from one phase of their life into another. The Center provides transitional services to two distinct groups of individuals with disabilities:
• Students transitioning from high school to higher education, employment, or other activities of adult living in the community.
The Center can provide transitioning students and their families with:
- IEP & CSE meeting assistance;
- Employment assistance;
- Benefits planning, assistance and advisement;
- Assistance in locating necessary adaptive equipment;
- Assistance in finding funding for necessary adaptive equipment or home modifications;
- Peer Counseling;
- Independent Living Skills;
- Information about the rights of individuals with disabilities, including employment rights;
- And much more.
• Individuals with disabilities currently living in an institutional setting who would like to live in a less restrictive environment within the community and those individuals with disabilities in imminent danger of being placed into an institution against their wishes.
The Center can provide services that assist the individual to transition back into their community such as:
- Home modification assistance;
- Benefits planning assistance, and advisement;
- Advocacy assistance with other service providers to obtain necessary community services and supports;
- Housing assistance;
- Adaptive equipment;
- Information about the rights of individuals with disabilities;
- Finding personal care attendants;
- Obtaining case management services, if required;
- And much more.
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