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.