empower: abilities

Empower: Abilities Access and Technology Department connects disabled individuals and their families to solutions to reduce barriers and improve independence through adaptive devices for vision loss, hearing loss and loss of mobility. Our equipment demonstration center includes over 600 items from low to high tech that allow individuals to try out and find the best solution before purchasing. We have a low income program where we can purchase devices up to $200 per person. We also recycle durable medical devices such as walkers, wheelchairs and transfer benches, donating 485 items out free of charge in the last reporting year. We also work to make the home safe and accessible by installing grab bars and building ramps free of charge to individuals with income less than 135% of the federal poverty level. We utilize volunteers for free labor and fund the materials costs through donations.

Empower: Abilities provides Transitions Services in 2 ways. One is assisting individuals in nursing homes, but able to live independently, in locating housing, purchasing essential household items and physically moving from the nursing home to the community. In addition, we understand that this can be a difficult transition when you have lived in an institutional setting to being on your own. We offer peer support and targeted case management to every transitions individual for a minimum of one year.
We also assist youth with disabilities in transitioning to adulthood and identifying their life goals post high-school. Our youth program works to develop on independent living skills, pre-employment skills and social challenges that can make this a very difficult period of life. Many services cease once a child turns into an adult and access to services becomes more challenging. Our Youth Specialist can help.

Empower: Abilities understands that Personal Assistance Services is key to maintaining independence for people with significant disabilities. We have been a provider of Consumer Directed Services since the 1990's; the program originated from Centers for Independent Living as it embraces the Independent Living Philosophy. We support disabled individuals in the hiring, training and supervision of their caregiver, providing case management services and payroll services. Personal Assistance Services allow people to stay safe and healthy in their own homes and reduces hospitalizations, illness and injury and may mean the difference from living independently or in a nursing home. We also ensure that all participating individuals have access to our other programs with wrap-around services and referrals.