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Disability Resource Center
Services
Click here for a full list of programs and short descriptions. Choose from the list below for detailed information.
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Our Commitment to Service and Outreach
The Center for Accessible Living is committed to being the premiere technical assistance, information, and referral resource center on disability in Kentucky and southern Indiana. We are committed to the improvement of the community in which we live and the quality of life of the people we serve. Our goal is superior service and anticipation of the community's needs.
Through community education and individual supports and knowledge, people with disabilities have increasingly become integral members of our community. From individuals living with disabilities for decades to people who have newly acquired their disability, people have been turning to the Center for Accessible living for service, information, and support for almost thirty (30) years.
Information and Referral
The Center serves as a resource center and a clearinghouse of information concerning disability. Information and Referral provides the Kentuckiana area with information about individuals with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act, other disability laws, and individual access. The Center also makes provides appropriate referrals to assist the community in learning about disabilities and disability related issues. CAL makes information and Referral Services available to everyone. Please feel free to call us.
Independent Living Skills Training
Gaining and Maintaining Independence
Independent Living
Independent living means having the right and chance to make decisions and have control over and responsibility for one’s own life. There are many skills that we learn along the way that help us have a more independent life and maintain that independence once we reach our goals. One of the ways the Center for Accessible Living helps people with disabilities to live independently is through Independent Living Skills training.
What are Independent Living Skills?
Independent living skills are as basic as learning to take responsibility, making good decisions, and learning how to solve problems. The teaching of these skills builds self-confidence and leads to independent thinking.
Classes develop skills needed to help consumers learn basic and advanced skills to achieve self-reliance for a more independent lifestyle. Classes include credit counseling, assertiveness training, adaptive cooking, mobility training, nutrition, homemaking, education opportunities, and communication skills among others.
What will I Learn?
Independent living skills topics include, but are not limited to:
- Time Management - Making the most of your day/week/month etc.
- Home Management - Making your home an environment you like.
- Organizational Skills - How to prioritize and get things done.
- Money Management - How to make and work within a budget.
- Meal Preparation - Learning basic nutrition and how to cook.
- Social Events - Social activities and other things in the community
Independent Living Skills training can be done on an individual basis or as a class.
Peer Support
We all have times in our lives when situations become difficult, or times when we are not sure what the best action might be. It is helpful to talk things over with another person who will respect us and keep our conversations confidential. Sometimes we have a friend or family member in whom we can confide; other times it is more helpful to talk with a peer or professional, or person who has good listening skills and will aid in our decision-making.
What Is Peer Support?
One-on-one and group peer support assists individuals with disabilities to help each other on a cross-disability basis. The individual you discuss your concerns with at the Center for Accessible Living will have experience in living with a disability. Peers provide assistance and support to increase skills and knowledge that will overcome interpersonal, family, social, financial, interagency and other disability-related challenges.
Who Can Have Peer Support?
Any individual with a disability may schedule a free appointment with the peer support coordinator by phone or e-mail.
The Center also offers the excellent opportunity to share concerns, ideas, and personal issues with others in similar situations. Click here for a list of the current Peer Support Groups.
What Topics Are Discussed?
Any topic can be discussed. Some common issues are:
Adjustment to a disability
Low self-esteem
Coping skills
Relationship problems and interpersonal communication
Dealing with stress and anger
Grief and loss issues
Trauma from physical, verbal or sexual abuse
Trauma from an accident or sudden onset of a disability
Pain management
Preparation for surgery and enhancing recovery
Communicating with family about a disability and your needs
Loneliness
Why me?!
For more information, please call 502-589-6620.
Advocacy
Advocates work in partnership with consumers to resolve incidents of discrimination and denial of services through mediation with governments, business, and service providers. Advocacy also includes working for systems changes that reflect the needs of people with disabilities at the federal, state, and local levels.
Individual Advocacy efforts help consumers learn and develop self-advocacy skills, provide assistance with the resolution of conflicts that impede service delivery, investigate discrimination claims, and disseminate information regarding program services.
Systems Advocacy helps consumers learn to interact with appropriate social services, to understand the program reporting requirements and to encourage the achievement individual goals, including employment goals, if desired.
Deaf Services
All of our services are available to Deaf and hard of hearing people. The Center provides ASL interpreters for all services and events.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources.
Video podcast in American Sign Language
The Disability Law Lowdown ASL podcasts will bring a new level of service to the Deaf community by expanding traditional audio-only podcasts to include video that allows subscribers too see native Deaf speakers signing the show's content. The podcasts will deliver the latest in disability law information every other week via American Sign Language, captioning, voice-over, and transcripts to maximize accessibility. And for the fastest viewing, the ASL podcasts are available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/disabilitylawlowdown.
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