Category Archives: Community Resources

Resources for people with disabilities.

Free Cell Phone and Service!

California residents who receive Supplemental Security Income, food stamps (SNAP), MediCal or other public assistance, or who meet certain income guidelines, can receive free cell phones through the federal Lifeline* program provided by Assurance Wireless.  Roughly 4.6 million California households … Continue reading

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Tax Provisions for People with Disabilities

Tax season is upon us once again, so let’s have a look at some items that may be of help to you or your loved ones with disabilities. The IRS website puts just about everything you could want to know … Continue reading

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Navigating the Maze of Benefits

The World Institute on Disability (WID) has created two very useful websites to help you navigate the bewildering realm of benefits. One website, www.db101.org, is for disability benefits in general and the other, vets101.org, is specifically for veterans. Disability Benefits … Continue reading

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50% Discount on Broadband

In an attempt to bridge the digital divide, the state of California has initiated the California Teleconnect Fund, which provides eligible organizations with a 50% discount on broadband and other communication services.  Eligible organizations include: Non-profits that offer one of … Continue reading

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Invisible Disabilities

In recent decades some invisible disabilities such as autism, traumatic brain injury  and diabetes has skyrocketed.  At the same time new invisible disabilities have appeared, such as fibromyalgia, metabolic syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities.  There are hundreds of diagnoses that can come … Continue reading

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September is National Preparedness Month

Here in the Bay Area we are vulnerable to an array of possible disasters.  When I think of emergency preparedness, I usually think of “the big one”.  But the recent fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond is a reminder … Continue reading

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Rental Assistance is on the Way

On May 15th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it is making $85 million available to state housing agencies to provide housing assistance for extremely low-income persons with disabilities. As part of recent reforms  made to the 811 Program, the funding  is … Continue reading

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Improve Transportation for People with Disabilities

Want to do your bit to improve transit for people with disabilities?  The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) would love to have you participate in their study.  It doesn’t take long, and you can do it online from … Continue reading

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Grand Opening of The Shop @ CIL

Come and celebrate the Grand Opening of THE SHOP at the Center for Independent Living on May 4 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm with demonstrations of assistive technology, information about The Shop, refreshments, and door prizes. The Shop provides wheelchair repairs and distributes donated … Continue reading

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ILPs for Youth with Disabilities

Research shows in order to have a successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education and the world of work, youth with disabilities and their families need to be intentional about planning activities that help youth reach their goals. Students … Continue reading

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