Services

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Services

We Provided the following Services:

Systems Advocacy

This is defined as outreach and educational activities designed to raise awareness of both needs and capabilities of persons with disabilities. This education is targeted primarily at legislators, public officials, County and State employees of programs, and other decision-makers. The aim of this service is to create equal access and community integration for individuals living and working in Riverside County.

Individual Advocacy

Staff assist individuals with disabilities to resolve conflicts that impede the ability of consumers to live independently. This individual advocacy is provided one-on-one to assist with Social Security entitlements, Medicare/Medi-Cal claims, Veterans benefits, 504 complaints, and other personal rights violations involving disability concerns.

Peer Counseling

Staff and volunteers provide advice and support for consumers who are finding it difficult to address disability related issues. This support is provided one-on-one, in educational trainings, and group discussions. Group activities are provided in both English and in Spanish. Specific groups which meet monthly are for parents of children with disabilities, seniors experiencing vision loss, women with disabilities, individuals who have experienced a stroke, and individuals returning to work.

Information and Referral

The Center's staff collects and disseminates information concerning a variety of topics that are of interest to agencies and persons with disabilities. Information ranges from legislation to accessible travel to energy concerns. During the past year more than 4,600 information and referral calls were provided to community members.

Personal Assistant Referral

The agency provides a registry to assist with the identification of potential aides to assist with personal care and housekeeping tasks. Consumers to assist with hiring a personal care assistant can use this list.

Systems Advocacy

The agency provides a registry to assist with the identification of potential aides to assist with personal care and housekeeping tasks. Consumers who wish to hire a personal care assistant can use this list.

Housing Referral

Staff provides assistance with the location of appropriate shelter. Services include a housing registry with pricing and accessible units, applications for home modifications, and filing for Section VIII housing.

Independent Living Skills Training

Staff works individually with consumers who need education and demonstration of adaptive techniques for daily living. Activities may include something as simple as phone use following vision loss or as complex as budgeting on a fixed income.

Assistive Technology

Workshops and trainings are provided to consumers who allow them the opportunity to utilize technology. Service Providers can also assist with acquiring the assistive technology through funding and/or exchange. Classes are available for computer evaluation and training using adaptive software.

PARADIGMS:

Staff in this project attend Individualized Education Plans (IEP). They also work with parents of children with mainstreaming, Health Intervention Plans (504 Plan), and assistive technology programs. Annually a two-day conference is held to educate parents, students, and educators.

TEC Center:

The Technology Evaluation Computer Center is designed for community members with disabilities to use adaptive software(s) and equipment to access the computer and Internet. The TEC Center has over 40 software applications designed for individuals with disabilities. Classes with instruction and assessment are also available.

Senior Low Vision Program

This program will teach Independent Living Skills, modifications to home appliances, advocacy and inclusion in community activities. In-home training is available.

"Self-Advocacy" training:

This six-week training is offered twice a year. This up-coming year it will be provided in Blythe and Moreno Valley. It teaches advocacy skills concerning housing, transportation, medical equipment, personal care assistance, and legislation, which affect individuals with disabilities.

ADA compliance reviews:

Staff experienced in the regulations regarding access and building codes can assess sites for compliance with ADA standards. There is a fee for this service and a written report will be provided following the survey.

Mental health counseling in American Sign Language:

Counseling for individuals who are deaf and use American Sign Language can be obtained from a trained therapist. This individual has completed her graduate studies and is working on her hours to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist through the State of California.

Caregiver Training:

This agency teaches six modules of training designed for personal care assistance and nursing students. The six modules taught by CAC staff are designed to address legislation, rights, and the use of assistive technology for seniors and persons with disabilities. This training is offered through the Economic Development Agency and several of the Community Colleges in this region.

Consumer Outreach and Prosecution Strategies (COPS)

This program is just beginning at the Center. The Crime Victims Specialist works with police, individuals with disabilities, and prosecutors toward justice for victims of crimes, which involves a person with a disability. The program is aimed at early intervention, increasing reliable reporting, and assuring prosecution.