Access to Independence http://accesstoindependence.org Creating a World of Possibilities Wed, 09 May 2012 05:14:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Independent Living Skills Classes – San Diego – Next Class is May 18th http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/independent-living-skills-class/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/independent-living-skills-class/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:30:53 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=469880 IL Skills Classes are from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

  • May 18th: Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program - Learn how working Californians with disabilities are able to earn up to $55,000/year & still  keep their Medi-Cal & IHSS and new features of the program including the ability to save assets without a limit.
  • June 15th: Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Programs (HICAP) -  Learn to understand your specific rights and health care options, help Medicare beneficiaries, their families and/or providers on a variety of Medicare and other health care issues.

 

Previous 2012 Classes:

  • April 20th: TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Office) – Learn specific requirements imposed on employers regulating their employment practices and their obligations to provide preference in recruiting, hiring, training, and promotions to Native Americans.
  • March 16th:  Department of Rehabilitation –  Will be an integral, invaluable partner with other agencies that are committed to increasing employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.
  • February 17th: Special Needs Trust -  Enables a person under a physical or mental disability, or an individual with a chronic or acquired illness, to have, held in Trust for his or her benefit, an unlimited amount of assets.  In a properly-drafted SNT those assets are not considered countable assets for purposes of qualification for certain governmental benefits.
  • January 20th: Department of Labor - Learn how to deal with “Harassment.” Know how to report and differentiate harassment.

 

Classes are held at:
Access to Independence
Conference Room
8885 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 131
San Diego, CA 92108
 
For more information, and to RSVP,  contact Tom Riis, triis@a2isd.org or call 619-293-3500 ext. 224.
 
]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/independent-living-skills-class/feed/ 0 Independent Living Skills Classes – Imperial Valley – Next Class is May 18th http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/categoryeventsimperial-valley-independent-living-skills-classes/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/categoryeventsimperial-valley-independent-living-skills-classes/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:50:50 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=470378 Independent Living Skills Classes are from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  • May 18th: Depression-Behavioral Health Services, presentation by Claudia Acosta - “How to Access to Imperial County Behavioral Health Services” with a description of what each program offers focusing on Depression. Each program consist of services to the unserved and underserved population; children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
  • June 15th: Adult Protective Services- In-Home Supportive Services, presentation by
    Andrea Barker     - An overview of the Adult Protective Services Program, Mandated Reporting responsibilities and signs of abuse (what to look for).
  • July 20th: Caregiver Program-Elder Law and Advocacy, presentation by David Schwartz -
    An attorney with Elder Law & Advocacy will discuss the free legal service programs it provides to Imperial County residents including: “Senior Legal Services” – Free basic legal advice and document preparation for Imperial County residents age 60 and over. “Caregiver Program” – Free legal advice and document preparation for caregivers of any age who provide care for persons age 60 or over. (Either the caregiver or care-recipient must be a resident of Imperial County, or the legal issue must be in some way related to the caregiving.) “Conservatorship/Guardianship Clinic” – Information, consultation, and document preparation for those who wish to be appointed legal guardians, conservators, and limited conservators. This program is available to all Imperial County residents of any age, as well as non-residents who are involved in Imperial County guardianship or conservatorship cases. “Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)” – Medicare insurance counseling by California-licensed Medicare insurance counselors, for those interested in signing up for Medicare or changing Medicare insurance providers or prescription drug plans.
  • August 17th: SSA Entitlements and Benefits Eligibility: Application, Disability Review and Appeals Process, presentation by Leticia Vizcarra - Participants will learn the difference between SSDI and SSI and the benefits of each program
  • September 21th: Health and Tobacco use-Public Health Department, presentation by
    Lucy Zertuche -     The tobacco presentation consists of a history of the Tobacco Program and program objectives, health consequences of smoking, and cessation information.

 

Previous 2012 Classes:

  • April 20th: Emergency Preparedness-American Red Cross, presentation by
    Sylvia Preciado - The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross provides services to those in need regardless of citizenship, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or political affiliation. The presentation will provide valuable information on the importance of preparing for disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs.
  • March 16th: Self-Esteem- Presenter, Mariana Villalas from SURE Helpline - What is High Self-Esteem, Low Self-Esteem and how to regain it!
  • February 17th: Employment- Presenter, Sonia Silva from Access to Independence - The Employment Program assists clients of the Department of Rehabilitation in obtaining, maintaining, and/or regaining employment by providing instruction, creating resumes, identifying jobs relevant to a clients’ interests and qualifications.

 

Classes are held at:
Department of Social Services CalWorks Building
2895 S Fourth St. Room A
El Centro, CA 92243

 

Call (760) 768-2044 to RSVP
Peer Support Groups meets following every Independent Living Class

 

 

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/categoryeventsimperial-valley-independent-living-skills-classes/feed/ 0 Gray Matters Brain Injury Support Group – San Diego – Next Meeting is June 5th http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gray-matters-brain-injury-support-group/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gray-matters-brain-injury-support-group/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:31:45 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=469883 Meetings are held Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM on the following dates:

  • June 5th
  • July 10th
  • August 7th
  • September 4th
  • October 2nd
  • November 6th
  • December 4th

 

Why attend a brain injury support group?

  • Emotional healing comes through interpersonal contact
  • Sharing of similar experiences helps members feel less isolated and more empowered to deal with daily challenges
  • Encouragement comes from learning about the achievements of others who have overcome similar difficulties
  • In contributing, members feel useful and the experience gives meaning to their lives
  • Education results from the exchange of information and personal experiences
  • Enhances interpersonal skills
  • Socializing establishes and teaches the importance of maintaining important connections
    with people
  • Self-expression – as emotions are experienced and released, creates a greater understanding of oneself and one’s capabilities can be better accessed
  • Involves confidence building
  • A supportive and non-judgmental environment allows for honest self-expression and better interpersonal communication
  • A sense of growth occurs
  • Long-term members see new participants and reminisce about where they began and how far they have come in their personal journey.
  • Gray Matters Support Groups are uplifting and FUN!
Access to Independence – Conference Room
8885 Rio San Diego Drive (Suite 131), San Diego, CA 92108
 

For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Ruben Ceballos @ (619) 293-3500 ext. 216 or email rceballos@a2isd.org

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gray-matters-brain-injury-support-group/feed/ 0 Challenges Make For Extra Motivation And Extraordinary Accomplishments http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/challenges-make-for-extra-motivation-and-extraordinary-accomplishments/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/challenges-make-for-extra-motivation-and-extraordinary-accomplishments/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:13:44 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=471028 San Diego Union-Tribune (Karla Peterson: Making a Difference) – April 22, 2011

“I sometimes hear the word ‘inspirational,’ and I cringe because that’s not what I’m going for. I prefer ‘motivational,’ ” says Alex Montoya, manager of Latino affairs for the San Diego Padres. 

“I sometimes hear the word ‘inspirational,’ and I cringe because that’s not what I’m going for. I prefer ‘motivational,’ ” says Alex Montoya, manager of Latino affairs for the San Diego Padres. K.C. ALFRED • U-T
K.C. ALFRED • U-T
]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/challenges-make-for-extra-motivation-and-extraordinary-accomplishments/feed/ 0 Gala 2012 — A Whole New World, Living Real Possibilities http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gala-2012/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gala-2012/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:19:42 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=469917 Once upon a time, the tale of the Arabian Nights conjured up visions of the most magical, cities on earth, where flying carpets carried noble thieves off on wonderful adventures, and beautiful princesses mingled with powerful genies. On an early spring evening in April 2012, we will welcome guests to our annual gala as a whole new world unfolds – a world where anything is possible. This year’s gala theme, A Whole New World, Living Real Possibilities, speaks to the vital work our organization has provided to the San Diego community, and to the issues concerning disability. With this event, we continue to raise awareness of and financial support for the very real changes Access to Independence facilitates on a daily basis—helping constituents seek gainful employment, improving home accessibility and advocating for people with disabilities.

We are honored to have distinguished community leaders leading our way into a whole new world and are delighted to announce that Frank Urtasun, Regional Vice President of External Relations for San Diego Gas & Electric, and his wife Caren, will serve as the 2012 Gala Co-Chairs. SDG&E has been a strong supporter of Access to Independence and we are grateful to have them involved in such a significant way. We would also like to announce that Mark Guglielmo, Vice President of Ballpark Operations for the San Diego Padres, will serve as our Honorary Gala Chair. The San Diego Padres have a long-standing relationship with Access to Independence as Mark served as executive board chair for five years. The team wouldn’t be complete without our 2012 Auction Co-Chairs, Nicholas & Clara Aguilera with Diego and Son printing, who also served as auction chairs for our 2011 gala. Our gala is not to be missed! Stay tuned each month for updates on our awardee nominations, incredible live and silent auctions and unforgettable entertainment.

For more information, visit our Gala site.

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/gala-2012/feed/ 0 Louis Frick, our Executive Director, and Frank Urtasun, 2012 Gala co-chair, appeared on KUSI News http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/louis-frick-our-executive-director-and-frank-urtasun-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-kusi-news/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/louis-frick-our-executive-director-and-frank-urtasun-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-kusi-news/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:37:01 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=470947

 

On April 16, Louis Frick, our Executive Director, and Frank Urtasun, Regional Vice President of External Relations at San Diego Gas & Electric, and 2012 Gala co-chair, appeared on KUSI News San Diego. They discussed Access to Independence and our upcoming gala

A Whole New World – Living Real Possibilities.

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/louis-frick-our-executive-director-and-frank-urtasun-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-kusi-news/feed/ 0 Access To Independence Participates in the 2012 Abilities Expo in Los Angeles, CA http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-2012-abilities-expo-in-los-angeles-ca/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-2012-abilities-expo-in-los-angeles-ca/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:08:02 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=471059  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access To Independence 

Access To Independence had the opportunity to share a vendors booth with Academy Medical Equipment at the 2012 Abilities Expo in Los Angeles, CA. The Abilities Expo is the trusted source where people with disabilities, their families, seniors, vets, caregivers and healthcare professionals gain knowledge and empowerment (and have a little fun!). For more than 30 years, Abilities Expo has also provided an excellent forum for companies with disability products and services to reach out and enhance the lives in our community. A special thank you to Academy Medical Equipment for the invitation and partnership.

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-2012-abilities-expo-in-los-angeles-ca/feed/ 0 SD Metro Magazine – Access to Independence to Present 2012 Award Winners http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/sd-metro-magazine-access-to-independence-to-present-2012-award-winners/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/sd-metro-magazine-access-to-independence-to-present-2012-award-winners/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:28:27 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=471004

Alex Montoya, manager of Latino relations for the San Diego Padres, and the Nice Guys charitable organization will receive awards on April 21 from Access to Independence, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities. Montoya will receive the 2012 Lead On Award and Nice Guys will receive the Community Excellence Award during the awards gala at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Montoya, a triple prosthetics wearer, is being honored for his work with the Padres and his support for community organizations that assist people with disabilities. Nice Guys will be cited for its donations of more than $12 million to worthy causes.

To View SD Metro Magazine April Issue click here

 

 

 

 

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/sd-metro-magazine-access-to-independence-to-present-2012-award-winners/feed/ 0 Access to Independence Participates in the the Imperial Valley Safe Schools and Equal Access to Education Summit http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-the-imperial-valley-safe-schools-and-equal-access-to-education-summit/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-the-imperial-valley-safe-schools-and-equal-access-to-education-summit/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:39:00 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=471041 On Saturday, March 31, 2012 our Imperial Valley office participated in a panel discussion and workshop during the Imperial Valley Safe Schools and Equal Access to Education Summit. The Summit provided information and resources on the “push out” issues and hurdles students face, the laws that protect students with disabilities, LGBT children and students of color, suicide and bullying prevention as well as local resource information.

The event was sponsored by the California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) and was held at Southwest High School, 2001 Ocotillo Drive, El Centro, CA 92243 from 8:30 a.m-2:00 p.m.

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/access-to-independence-participates-in-the-the-imperial-valley-safe-schools-and-equal-access-to-education-summit/feed/ 0 Frank Urtasun, our 2012 Gala co-chair, appeared on “Despierta San Diego” http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/frank-urtasun-our-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-despierta-san-diego/ http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/frank-urtasun-our-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-despierta-san-diego/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:38:31 +0000 admin http://accesstoindependence.org/?p=470672

On March 5, Frank Urtasun, Regional Vice President of External Relations at San Diego Gas & Electric, and 2012 Gala co-chair, appeared on “Despierta San Diego” on Spanish Language KBNT Channel 17 – Univison San Diego.  He discussed Access to Independence and our upcoming gala
A Whole New World – Living Real Possibilities.

What a great job he did!

See the interview (in spanish) here.

]]> http://accesstoindependence.org/blog/frank-urtasun-our-2012-gala-co-chair-appeared-on-despierta-san-diego/feed/ 0