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Options' Services
Options provides the
four core services that all 500+ Centers for Independent Living offer
nationwide; Independent Living Skills Training, Information and
Referral, Advocacy and Peer Support Counseling. We also offer
other services based on the needs of our local communities, |
 Advocacy
Advocacy
is a central component of Options. Staff provide training, information
and support to promote an individual’s right to full inclusion within
his or her community. Options staff encourages and supports
individuals to become involved in local, state and federal legislative
issues that affect persons with disabilities (systems advocacy.)
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 Peer Support
Peer Support is available from staff
and trained volunteers who have personally experienced a disability and
who have attained a substantial degree of independence.
Peer support volunteers can
assist an individual to learn
how to cope with his or her disability
through sharing of real-life experiences.
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 Information
& Referral
Information &
Referral provides information about
community services and resources. Topics ranging from adaptive
equipment resources, housing information, funding alternatives, benefits
and legal rights issues can be researched and answered.
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 Independent
Living Skills Training
Independent Living Skills
Training
is provided on a one-to-one basis. Training areas
include, but are not limited to, Household management, budgeting, managing
a personal care assistant and use of city bus and para-transit systems.
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Community Education
Options
provides an array of services to our community
including assessment and technical assistance to comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, presentations on disability awareness and sensitive
communication, and 504 public housing assessments. Staff are
involved in various community boards and committees at the state and local
level.
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Residential
Assessment
A residential Assessment
involves a staff person doing an in-depth evaluation of a person with a
disability, and his/her residence. Staff will make recommendations
to improve the accessibility of the home and/or plan for an addition or
new construction.
A written report listing recommended
modifications, accessibility products and/or adaptive equipment, and a
detailed plan that is sometimes used to obtain cost estimates may be
provided to the individual, and if applicable, designated funding sources.
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Computer
Assessment
This unique program can
create greater independence for persons with disabilities by assessing
their computer and related technology needs. Recommendations for
computer hardware, software and assistive devices such as voice input,
specialized keyboards and software may be recommended.
Options staff can
also arrange for computer setup in the individual's home or worksite as
appropriate. Additional training for all equipment and software is
also available.
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Worksite
Assessment
Staff can provide on-site
worker's task evaluation and recommendations to provide for more
ergonomic, less stressful working conditions. Items such as
workstation lighting, work flow, proper seating, proper hand placement for
computers and monitors are just some of the items that can be evaluated.
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Assistive
Technology Assessment
Assistive Technology is
often crucial in assisting an individual with a disability to be
independent. Options staff can provide an in-depth assessment
of and individual and their technology needs to determine what assistive
technology, if any, could play a role in his or her independent living
goal.
This assessment could be
done in an individual's home or workplace or at Options, where we
could utilize all of our available resources. Once the assessment is
completed with recommendations, staff may assist in applying for financial
assistance to help pay for the technology..
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Try-Outs
Options has
equipment available for individuals to try. For a minimal fee the
equipment can be borrowed so a user can determine if it will meet their
needs before purchasing it. Try-Out equipment includes items for
everyday activities for daily living, people with hearing or visual loss,
children with disabilities, recreation and other related activities.
The goal is to assist
individuals in finding the most appropriate and cost-effective device that
will meet his or her needs. |
