Access To Independence Inc

Programs: Independent living core services- during 2017, access staff responded to 2408 requests for information and/or referral, 178 individuals with disabilities identified goals to increase or maintain their independence, of which 59% were achieved and 41% are in progress. Access was able to provide a falls prevention program to individuals who utilized asl as their primary language, they had been unable to participate in other classes due to the language barrier.

peer specialist initiative. During this reporting year, the new integrated curriculum was completed and training was launched in fall of 2017. 20 individuals with lived experience were trained in the curriculum; trainings were provided to individuals who were interested in becoming a certified peer specialist throughout wi. Trainings were held in milwaukee, the fox valley and racine. Currently the parent peer specialist curriculum, a new initiative in wi, is in development. We anticipate this being ready by the summer of 2018. Two peer specialist certification exams were held during 2016.

assistive technology demonstration and loan program was the recipient of funding for the purchase of assistive technology to our demonstration and loan program. Assisitive technology varied from high tech to low tech, items include assistive technology the can read text out loud for individuals with visual disabilities, a lifting device that can assist an individual that has fallen to the floor and cannot independently get themselves up, and multiple switch devices that can allow a person with significant mobility issues to navigate their computer or table. The additional assistive technology greatly assists in the ability to assess someone for their technology needs in multiple settings.