A major barrier to connecting persons with disabilities and the services and activities Centers for Independent Living (CIL) offer is due to geography and transportation.
1. Identify Affordable, Accessible Transportation:
If public transportation is available:
a) The CIL could collect and disseminate a directory of transportation services currently available in their service area by contacting local and state entities to identify who they serve and what type of services are available. Local resources could include:
i) Disability service programs.
ii) Senior programs.
iii) County, and city transportation officials.
iv) Consumer organizations.b) Distribute existing transportation directories.
c) Participate in local transportation boards.
d) Assume an advocacy role for adequate, accessible, affordable transportation within the service area.
2. Building Bridges to Your Consumers:
While it may not always be possible for a consumer to get to a Center, here are some possible solutions:
a) Allocate sufficient resources in budget for travel.
b) Link with local entities, such as social service organizations, consumer groups, health care agencies, in collecting and sharing information about programs and services.
c) Establish a policy for consumers to call free (e.g., toll-free line, collect calls), asking staff to return their call.
d) Establish satellite offices or telephone numbers at local community organizations, churches, service clubs, consumer groups, and the like.
e) Be creative in coordinating services with consumers in various locations, (e.g., malls, parks, or where the consumer is comfortable).
f) As resources allow, set-up video-conferences.
g) If consumers have computers, the CIL might investigate:
i) Sharing information on the Internet.
ii) Using e-mail.
iii) Establishing Web sites and chat rooms.
iv) Researching ways to obtain computers and technical support to persons with disabilities.
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