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Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) facilitates collaboration among member Centers for Independent Living and other stakeholders, resulting in a
unified statewide voice advocating for equal rights for people with disabilities.
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Tallahassee CIL, Ability 1st , makes front page news March 2013 |
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Ability1st is having growing pains. The nonprofit that provides free or low-cost medical supplies to the community is bursting at the seams at its Buford Court location, next to Capital Regional Medical Center. Walk in and you’ll see boxes littering the entry hall. Program manager Kevin Ogden used to share an office, but look where his former officemate once sat and you’ll find transport benches and crutches stacked nearly ceiling high. If you need more proof that the place is at capacity, consider that in the last year the organization has seen a 40-percent increase in demand for their equipment and supplies, and the year before that, they saw a 20-percent jump. Convinced? The increased demand for their services has prompted Ability1st to expand their facilities through their Access to Independence program. They’re raising $65,000 to transform an existing carport into a 400-square-foot space for the public to drop off and pick up medical equipment, as well as a space for storage. The expansion will allow the organization to better carry out their mission of helping people maintain their independence, said Judith Barrett, executive director of Ability1st.
The organization helps provide items that aren’t covered under Medicare and Medicaid, and with more people living with limited insurance these days, Ability1st wants to continue filling those gaps. “There are very few things you can do these days to help a person maintain their level of independence, but through this program you really can.” Said Barrett, who said that for most people, not having access to Ability1st would force them into a nursing home.
The group is currently $20,000 short of its $65,000 fundraising goal for the project which will break ground March 18.
The organization is best known for enlisting a group of volunteers to build free wheelchair ramps in people’s homes. But the program doesn’t stop at helping people get in their homes — they follow them in. “Once people are in their homes and they’re living with a physical disability, the idea of a shower bench or a bedside commode or a transfer bench, any of those things, are critical to them being able to maintain their independence,” said Barrett.
After the wheelchair ramp comes durable medical equipment, like the commodes and benches, then comes disposable supplies such as adult diapers and latex gloves. “They’re not just getting one item, they’re getting multiple items, because if you need a bedside commode, you more than likely need a shower bench and if your using a wheelchair then you need other items to go along with that,” said Barrett. The organization receives equipment donated from various area healthcare providers including Big Bend Hospice.
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After constructing 55 ramps last year, the Ability1st name began to spread. Caretakers and family members of people living with disabilities started turning to the organization for help, and in turn donations from area health providers increased to meet that need.
The planned expansion will allow Ogden to more readily make items available to the people who need them. Currently, he washes donated equipment in the backyard of the complex. The extension will allow him to wash, store, receive and distribute items in one location. |
“People keep hearing about us,” said Ogden, who noted demand began to snowball leading to a waiting list for diapers and ramps. “It’s to help us better meet the need, even if we’re always probably going to be playing catch up,” said Ogden of the extension. While the program will improve the Ability1st building, the ones who benefit are members of the community, said Barrett. “The ongoing support of this program is always going to be helping a person,” she said. |
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In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away, and in some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times.
Remember, the best way to make your family and home safer is to be prepared before a disaster happens. |
A Guide to Public Benefits in Your State
Fact sheets with information about benefits programs for older adults with limited incomes and people with disabilities in all 50 states. Find out how to apply for help to pay for your prescription drugs, doctors’ bills, groceries and other basic expenses like home heating and cooling bills. |
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