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We believeEveryone has the right to live as independently as they choose
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We've been empowering people
for over 40 years
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Corneil's StoryCorneil contacted Access to Independence (Access) seeking help with housing, employment, and state/federal benefits in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. His state unemployment claim was in the queue for approximately 27 weeks, and with no income, and difficulty finding new work due to the pandemic, the situation was dire, and putting his housing at risk.
Through a series of applications and advocacy work, Corneil's application for COVID-relating funding and unemployment claims were approved! With those successes, Corneil now had access to funding and the peace of mind he needed to focus on his income and employment needs. Access assisted Corneil with applying for services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and ensured him a space to communicate his disability-related employment needs. Soon after he had started working towards his career goals, Corneil was able to land a job! Through the advocacy and services that Corneil received, he now has stable housing, stable income, and opportunities for additional training/education. |
Katie's StoryKatie lost hearing in her right ear due to the influenza virus. She only had 10% hearing remaining in her right ear, and was waiting to be scheduled for bone conduction implant surgery to improve her hearing.
She was concerned that her surgery might be delayed due to the pandemic, and in the mean time she was looking for ways she could remain independent until the surgery. She was referred to Access to Independence (Access), who suggested she might try a set of bone conduction headphones from the Assistive Technology loan and demonstration program. Katie tried out the headphones, and found that they allowed her to listen to music and make phone calls more independently! But what had the most impact for her was being able to hear the voice of her baby grandson, who lives in another state. She later told the Independent Living Specialist that “these headphones have me crying my eyes out! I can hear the videos of my grandson making baby noises!" |
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