Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living

Description

SCRS assists people with significant disabilities gain access to services, programs, benefits and information. The services SCRS offers include:

• Information and Referral: Information on a wide range of topics related to disability. SCRS connects people to other services providers, and is a resource for other community agencies that wish to enhance the accessibility of their services for people with a variety of disabilities.
• Advocacy: Assistance to persons with disabilities in gaining access to financial and medical benefits and to other services for which they may be eligible. This can include access to benefits, services and programs to which a consumer may be entitled.
• Housing Assistance: Self-advocacy information on how to look for accessible, affordable and available housing and on how to remove architectural barriers. Information on subsidized programs is also provided.
• Personal Assistance Services: Guidance regarding programs, rights and procedures; personal assistant recruitment; hiring and management; registry/referral in formation.
• Peer Support: Ongoing peer support activities, as well as guidance and encouragement provided by SCRSL staff with disabilities to assist consumers in developing, clarifying and achieving their independent living goals.
• Independent Living Skills Training: Workshops, networking meetings and individualized sessions aimed at developing the social and organizational skills needed to live more independently.
• Assistive Technology: This can include assistance in obtaining any device or item, equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities, as well as any assistive technology services that help an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of a device. Assistance is also offered in obtaining grants for home modifications to make the building accessible to a person with disabilities.
• Systems Change: SCRS is committed to advocate with private and governmental entities to increase access to community services, improve quality of services, increase availability of low cost, accessible housing and expand awareness of and compliance with legislation which protects the rights of people with disabilities.
• Youth Transition: SCRS has a youth program designed to develop skills to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and the exploration of career options. This includes the transition from school to post-school activities such as postsecondary education, vocational training, employment, adult services, independent living and community participation.
• Computer Classes: SCRS offers classes in the basic needs of operating a computer. These instructions include Microsoft, Word, how to use the Internet and other software programs often needed to find employment or self-advocate for oneself.
• Community Education Workshops: Twice a month SCRS offers workshops on a variety of disability topics presented by professionals in their fields. Among recent classes - Diabetes, legal services, recognizing Alzheimer’s, Social Security and self-defense.