People with Disabilities in PA Have a New Tool to Find Available Resources

(Camp Hill, Pa.) – Often people with disabilities comment about it can be a challenge to find resources and disability-related information in one location, or even at all. Living Well With A Disability, a program offered by several Centers for Independent Living across Pennsylvania, recently launched a newly revamped Web site (www.LivingWellWithADisability.org) to change that and provide a place where people can find the resources they’re looking for. The interactive tool was redesigned with the goal of providing people with disabilities a wealth of resources and disability-related information within Pennsylvania.

Theotis Braddy, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), and developer of Living Well With A Disability, initiated the revamping of the Web site. “I have always wanted to be in a position to help others navigate through what I call a ‘maze of confusion.’ This ‘maze of confusion’ comes at a time when people need help the most. This is why Living Well With A Disability was developed, and now with this new site, we can go even further in helping people with disabilities navigate through this ‘maze.’ The new site will help people find the resources and tools they need to live their fullest life – no matter what that means.”

With the new site, users have the ability to interact, not only with each other, but with the site’s content as well. Visitors can search for disability-related resources across Pennsylvania – from law firms and colleges, to accessible transportation sources and sign language interpreters. The site is unique as it doesn’t include every organization that serves people with disabilities. Instead, it only features organizations that go above and beyond what is required by law for people with disabilities. People can discover what is available to them, and comment on each entry to share their personal experience with that resource. The advanced search options even allow visitors to narrow their searches by type of disability, or by county.

As an accessible Web site, it is designed with specific accessibility guidelines such as: alternative text, simple layouts, keyboard functionality, open-captioned media, navigation assistance, easy to read content, and the ability to increase the size of the text. 

“The new Web site encourages people with disabilities to connect with others and share their knowledge and support – whether it’s through the discussion forum or by making comments on an event or activity featured on the site. People can also submit photos, personal stories, and even videos about how they are living well with a disability. We really want the site to be a community for people with all types of disabilities,” states Braddy.

About Centers for Independent Living
The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting people with disabilities in achieving and maintaining independent lifestyles. Those taking part in Living Well With A Disability include the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living, and Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living. Collectively, these centers serve people with disabilities in Allegheny, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Greene, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

About Living Well With A Disability
Living Well With A Disability is a free resource that is available to individuals with any type of disability living in certain counties of Pennsylvania. By calling the hotline, the Living Well With A Disability program connects people with disabilities to qualified Living Well specialists who will conduct a survey identifying the needs and goals of the person, to then develop a plan for meeting them. From achieving an everyday task to accomplishing a life-changing goal, Living Well With A Disability is designed to aid people with disabilities in exceeding their lifestyle expectations. For more information, call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL or visit the Web site at www.LivingWellWithADisability.org.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz at (717) 432-2468 or email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com.  

State Recognizes Center for Independent Living of Central PA with Home Care License

(Camp Hill, Pa.)—The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) recently received the state’s support as it received a home care license from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The license certifies CILCP to operate as a home care agency and provide personal care to people with disabilities. CILCP is a non-profit, community based organization that is made up of and serves people with all types of disabilities.

 

Although CILCP has provided home care for years under a program called Personal Assistance Services, the name has been aptly changed to C.O.R.E. Solutions in light of earning the state’s recognition. The new name’s acronym, C.O.R.E., stands for Commitment, Outstanding service delivery, Reliability and Ethics. Upon obtaining the home care license, the program is audited by the state on an annual basis to ensure the services provided are in line with quality care and the professionals working in the program are appropriately trained.

 

“CILCP has always held itself to a high standard and we are pleased that the state recognizes this high standard. It’s like getting the ultimate stamp of approval,” states Margo Wright, the director of CILCP’s home care program.

 

Through C.O.R.E. Solutions, people with disabilities receive personal assistance with daily living activities, such as support in dressing, transfer assistance, light housekeeping, shopping, assistance with meals and medication reminders. Though the personal care providers are non-medical care givers, CILCP contracts with registered nurses if medical home care is needed.

 

CILCP is hoping the licensing, name change and new tagline, “your number one choice for personal assistance services,” will give them greater recognition as the “go-to agency” for home care services. “This recognition will also bolster CILCP’s relationships with insurance companies and other entities to allow us to further expand our services,” Ms. Wright points out. “Additionally, the licensing will give C.O.R.E Solutions the opportunity to provide excellent services to a broader consumer base.”

 

In addition to C.O.R.E. Solutions, consumers can receive other services, such as assistance in: transitioning from a nursing home to a private home; seeking housing; determining employment and financial aid options; identifying recreation activities; and finding physical fitness opportunities through CILCP’s Living Well With A Disability program.

 

People who are interested in receiving C.O.R.E Solutions, and live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, or York counties, can call the Living Well With A Disability hotline at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL. They will be connected to a Living Well specialist who will work with them to apply for the services needed. The services provided through Living Well With A Disability make it possible for people with disabilities to live at home, create their own lifestyle, take part in the community and maximize their independence.

 

About The Center for Independent Living of Central PA
For over 20 years, CILCP has been serving people with all types of disabilities who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin, and Juniata counties, with certain services available in York County. CILCP is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent life styles. From achieving a small task to accomplishing a life-changing goal, CILCP is helping people with disabilities exceed their lifestyle expectations through one point of contact. For more information on Living Well With A Disability visit www.LivingWellWithADisability.org, and for more information on CILCP, visit www.cilcp.org.