Independence!

Quarterly Newsletter of Disability Options Network : Fall Edition 2016

 

Vote! Vote! Vote!1

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Your vote is important. Please vote.
If you have questions about your rights, the law, accessibility, poll watchers and poll workers or any other voting related questions, contact Center for Independent Living, 831 Harrison Street, New Castle PA 16101 tele. 724-652-5144 or contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) at 717-839-5227. If you cannot reach either of the above listed organizations, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683.

“Vote like your life depends on it…because it does!” – Justin Dart

 

Autumn Bash

The 21st Annual Autumn Bash was held at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds on September 24, 2016. Hosted by the Lawrence County 4-H Clubs and Disability Options Network, it was the largest Bash to date with over 800 guests. People came from Lawrence, Butler, Beaver, Mercer and Allegheny Counties to enjoy the beautiful weather and activities. Some of the fun things people could do included accessible hayrides, assisted horseback rides, crafts, bingo, a wonderful petting zoo, a bonfire and the endless table full of delicious food! Keep your calendars open for Autumn Bash 2017!!!

 

AT Re-Use Program

Need a power wheel chair? Have a walker, cane or manual chair to donate? Know someone in need? Contact Disability Options Network and ask about the AT Re-Use Program. Funded through the Pennsylvania Institute on Assistive Technology, the Re-Use Program 2provides refurbished durable medical equipment to eligible individuals. If your physician or medical professional can provide a statement of need, Disability Options Network will work with you to match your need with available inventory. All available equipment has been donated then refurbished for distribution.   A short form will need completed so that we can document the “who”, the “why” and the “when”. After that, the equipment is yours!

 

 

Winter is Coming!!! Know your Utility Resources

Winter is a beautiful yet expensive time of year. Staying safe and warm requires sound budgeting and solid preparations. Before the cold weather arrives, have your furnace checked, contact your utility company and ask about weatherization and budgeting programs. Know who to ask for when calling (customer service), have your utility account number and/or recent bill handy and ask questions about how best to manage your utility bill. You may qualify for Dollar Energy Programs and/or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – we can help guide you through these applications and processes. Call us at 724-652-5144.

Remember- you can always call us with questions or contact 2-1-1 for resources in your area!

 

Managing Holiday Stress…. Ugh!

Eat! But not too much, not too often and not always those yummy comfort foods – think healthy.

Drink! I’m talking water, water and more water. All that other stuff can be harmful…

Sleep!  Most of us are sleep deprived anyhow and holidays can add to that. Make rest a priority.

Stay connected! Healthy relationships are healing – seek out friends and close family. Trust love.

Exercise! Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you happier and more relaxed. Really!!

Keep it all in perspective!  Hey, no one is perfect – and no holiday is either….do the best you can and leave it there. Enjoy those around you.

 

 

Transportation- “Can I get there from here???”

Yes, No, Maybe???? Learn more about local transportation resources from your Independent Living Coordinator at Disability Options Network. We can help with Shared Ride applications, Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) questions, ADA Paratransit requirements, provide training on using fixed route bus services and other transportation challenges that you face. We work closely with all the transportation providers in Lawrence, Butler, Beaver and Mercer Counties. Give us a call – we will be happy to help you!!!

 

 

Wellness – Feeling more empowered through Exercise!

3Don Services Inc, our sister agency, offers person-centered, adaptive exercise programs for qualifying individuals at our location on Harrison Street and in your home. Also offered is a group recreational exercise program on Tuesday evenings in the Multipurpose Room and in the Exercise Room here. For more information, contact David Huff or Abby Kantz at 724-652-5144. They are really good people who will work with you to gain additional strength, improve range of movement, provide exercise regimes you call follow at home every day. Check it out.

 

Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Update

Bob Dylan, recent Nobel Prize for Literature winner, wrote and sang; “Oh the times, they are a changing”….

For those of us who receive attendant care and who have qualified for supports through the various “waiver” programs, the times are a changing…In 2017, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will transition certain waiver-funded support programs to managed care organizations (MCOs). We at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) are following closely the numerous proposed and approved changes to this important program. Staff is attending consumer advisory meetings in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The Center is actively engaging with our state officials at the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) asking relevant questions and bringing important information back to our communities. We will keep you informed as things get settled. Stay tuned!!

 

Accessibility and Home

Did you know that we work with an excellent and qualified Home Modification Program – Accessible Solutions LLC ???? Yep- Bill Myers operates a program that will help eligible individuals to pursue a more accessible living environment through home modifications. Ramps, accessible bathrooms, adaptive kitchens and other home modifications aimed at enhancing independent living might be available to you.   Contact Bill at 724-652-5144 or contact your Service Coordinator and ask about Home Modifications.

 

Trac Chair – An innovative mobility device4

Love the out-of-doors? Having difficulty getting out into Nature?   Do you hunt and fish? Going to the range to target practice? Through the creative talents of our friends at Trac Fabrication LLC in Slippery Rock, PA, a new mobility device is available to you.   Go on line to www.TracFab.com or come to the Center to see what a Trac Chair is and how it works. We have one here that is amazing- and available to you free of charge!   We loan our chair to individuals who have mobility challenges and want to get out and explore the wilderness. Its big, its orange, it has rubber treads and goes just about anywhere on any terrain. Very cool.

 

Upcoming Events at Disability Options Network

  • Peer Support Group Meetings every 2nd Wednesday from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at CIL
  • ADAPT Meetings every 2nd Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at CILHave ideas for events or activities? Call us and let us know.Our Mission is to empower people with disabilities to live as independently as they choose.“My Life, My Choice”Our core services are:
    • Advocacy
    • Independent Living Skills Training
    • Peer Supports
    • Transition – Nursing home to Community and School to Work/Community
    • Information & Referral

 

 

Our Telephone Number is 724-652-5144
Our Fax Number is 724-856-8973

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