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Community Access Center

Welcome to the Community Access Center (CAC) Web Site, an Independent Living Center. Community Access Center has been providing services to people with disabilities in Riverside County since 1995.

Mission Statement

The mission of Community Access Center is to empower persons with disabilities to control their own lives, create an accessible community, and advocate and achieve complete social, economic, and political integration.We implement this vision by providing information, supportive services, and independent living skills training.

The primary purpose of Community Access Center is to empower consumers with disabilities by providing services and information to support them in making choices that will positively affect their independence and productivity in society.

Community Access Center will accomplish this through a social-rehabilitation model. The Center serves all people with physical and mental disabilities regardless of race, ancestry, color, religion, age, marital status, sexual preference, gender and/or Income.

We Advocate for you!

Investigation of discrimination claims and mediation on behalf of people with disabilities in order to resolve conflicts that impede the attainment of needed benefits and services.

Consumer Rights Notification

Every consumer of the Community Access Center, has the right to appeal any decision, which denies you service. (NOTE: The appeal must follow certain guidelines and time limitations; ask your service provider for a copy of the procedure).

If you desire representation in addressing your concerns/dissatisfaction with the Community Access Center (CAC), you have the right to contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for assistance. Contact the CAP at 1-888-574-5339 and you will be referred to a CAP not connected with CAC, this will prevent any potential conflict of interest.

About Us

Community Access Center (CAC) of Riverside is an Independent Living Center. Community Access Center has been providing services to people with disabilities in Riverside County since 1995.

Welcome to the Community Access Center (CAC) Web Site, an Independent Living Center. Community Access Center is a non-profit organization; one of 29 similar programs throughout California. CAC is a community resource, advocate, and educator for Riverside County residents with disabilities. CAC has achieved community recognition and has substantially expanded its services since its establishment. As a result of our efforts, a Branch Office opened in 1997 to serve the Coachella Valley region of Riverside County. In 1997 CAC opened the branch office in Indio with funding from the Department of Education. This was in response to the needs of residents in this rural area, especially the parents of children with disabilities who do not speak English. This office has had a large impact on that under-served region of the County. The mountain pass region is now receiving independent living services at the CAC satellite office in Banning, which was opened in October 1999.

As an independent living center, the agency is structured by the following principles:

• Organizational policies and programs are developed, directed, and delivered primarily by persons with disabilities;

• Services are provided on a cross-disability basis; and, the Agency operates as a non-residential, non-profit organization.

The composition of the Center's staff and Board of Directors is diverse and reflects the principle of consumer control. The Board of Directors consists of 12 members, 75% of who have significant disabilities and 17% whom are parents of children with multiple disabilities. CAC has 34 employees. They are 40% Hispanic, 17% African American, 8% American Indian, 22% are seniors, and 74% have disabilities. Their disabilities include sensory, mobility, psychiatric, developmental disabilities, chronic disease, and multiple disabilities. In addition, the agency has four advisory committees, 70% of whom have disabilities or are the parents of children with disabilities. These advisory committees are Riverside Services, Indio Services, Parents of Children with Disabilities, and Assistive Technology. Each group meets quarterly. Membership is opened to the public and anyone interested should call the Program Managers: Mike in Indio(760)347-4888 or Paul in the City of Riverside(909)637-6900.

The principle of cross-disability service delivery is confirmed through analysis of Community Access Center's (CAC's) current consumer base. In this program year, CAC has served 955 consumers at the three offices. The distribution of disabilities as reported by the consumers include 51% individuals with physical disabilities, 24% with mental disabilities, 17% sensory disabilities (visual and hearing impaired), and 8% cognitive disabilities. This includes developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. The majority (54%) of the consumers served reported having multiple disabilities.

Compliance with the third governing principle is evidenced through the Center's observation of the criteria established for tax exempt nonprofit agencies and defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Incorporated in early 1995, the Community Access Center received its first AB204/SSR allocation in November of that same year. In little more than five years of operation, the agency has become a recognized presence in Riverside County.

Community Access Center has gained the support of many organizations and individuals in the community. As a result of our efforts, a Branch Office opened in 1997 to serve the desert region of Riverside County. This office has had a large impact on that under-served region of the County. The mountain pass region is now receiving independent living services at the CAC satellite office in Banning, which was opened in October 1999.The service area of Community Access Center is the County of Riverside. Approximately 7,300 square miles in size, this area includes both urban and rural communities.

Riverside County currently ranks third of the most rapidly growing County populations in the state, having averaged 2.8% annual growth in the years from 1990 to 1996 and is the most rapidly growing County in the Southern half of the state. It is also one of the largest Counties in the state. Among Southern California counties, Riverside County ranks first in population growth with a forecast average annual growth rate of 3.7% in the years 1996 to 2000. There was an 82% growth in the number of residents in the decade between 1983 and 1993. The estimated number of County residents with disabilities exceeds 190,000 persons.

The need for independent living services in Riverside County was defined by the Department of Rehabilitation in a State Independent Living Plan adopted in 1986. Funds were initially provided to the Dayle MacIntosh Center, an independent living center in Orange County, to operate a branch office in Riverside. At that time, consumers were assisted to acquire and use adaptive devices or equipment and were assessed to fulfill their unmet independent living needs and referred to the Department of Rehabilitation's Independent Living Resource Specialist for support services. Requests from consumers for extended services were numerous. Within months of the establishment of the branch office, additional funding was given to provide core independent living services to consumers in Riverside County.

At a public hearing in San Bernardino held by the State independent Living Council on June 15, 1995, local residents confirmed the need for an independent living center exclusive to the area. The Department of Rehabilitation issued a Request for Proposal in order to fund the establishment of such an agency and the Community Access Center was selected as the grantee.

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.

Self Advocacy

A year long disability awareness program is abailable to the public throughout Riverside County.

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.

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.

• Learn about money management
• Self advocacy training
• Participate in support groups
• Train peer-counselors
• Services to senior center and facilities
• Learn how to become integrated in senior programs
• Trainings to participate in shopping, recreation and other activities
• Assistance obtaining an ADA Transportation card/transportation vouchers
• Obtain information, resources and referrals
• Receive adjustment counseling and support
• Receive computer and technology education/training
• Learn primary Braille training Guidance to receive Assistive Technology, phone services, talking books and other equipment
• Instruction to pay bills efficiently
• Training utilizing appliance/household items safely
• Become involved in local and state systems-change
• One-to-One assistive technology training
• Mobility and orientation instruction
• Explore ways to make the most of ones remaining vision

Now offers senior (55+) throughout Riverside County (Indio, Riverside Area, Perris Valley and Banning (Pass region) opportunities and information to empower and live more independently with limited or no vision.

Assistive Technology

The AT Network Information and Referral Service can provide you with information on:

• Devices for daily living

• AT Funding Resources AT Service Providers

• AT Service Providers

• AT Community Resources

What is assistive technology and who can use it?

Assistive Technology is simply the tools and resources used by individuals with disabilities to help improve their quality of life. Assistive technology comes in many shapes and forms. It can be as simple as eyeglasses, hearing aids, knee braces or manual and power wheelchairs, or as technologically sophisticated as voice-activated computer systems.

Assistive Technology Links

The following Internet Web sites are listed for your convenience. Inclusion of any web site should not be construed as an endorsement of the accuracy of, or support for, the information or views expressed by that site.

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