Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [id] => 17
            [date] => 2021-02-03
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => ACC's Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response services bring peace and security
            [author] => Anonymous
            [article] => 
How has the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program changed your life?  

Ever since the Thomas Fire this has been in the back of my mind being worried about the electricity going off and all of a sudden PG&E referred me to you and there was an overwhelming amount of peace. It gives you a deep peace to know you’re not subject to the whims of the weather. You can never tell about the unknown factors. You can watch the weather all you want but the reality is you need to be prepared. 

How do you feel about how ACC has helped you prepare for disasters and emergencies? How did you feel before?   

It's like a miracle happened to me. That's the way I feel. In the beginning I couldn't believe it. I didn't believe it for the first week or so. It's wonderful, I don't know how to describe it, it's beyond words at times. Before planning with ACC there was nothing and I explored everything to find assistance. Unless I had $5,000 to buy a battery there was nothing for me and I felt frustration that the winds could make them turn the power off. It's nice to be able to do something about it. Before planning it made me feel powerless. It gave me power in this situation to get the planning.  

What is different now that you have the backup battery and disaster plan?

It's peace of mind I guess. It's being proactive instead of waiting for the situation to happen and seeing what help you can find. This program is safety and gives you a nice warm fuzzy feeling.

"ACC isn't like a government agency it's like people helping people. It's real help by real people."

-Michele, Consumer of Lauren Utterback- Independent Living Advocate

        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [id] => 12
            [date] => 2022-10-19
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => Access in the News!
            [author] => Brittany Pudnos
            [article] => 
Did you know that Close to 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use? And that the average price of an adult hearing aid is about $2,000-$3,000. It can range from $1,000 up to more than $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology. The good news is that the push for easier access to assistive technology had a big win recently! On August 16th, The U.S. FDA issued a final rule to improve access to hearing aids. Certain hearing aids for those who are 18 and older will now be available with no doctor's visit or fitting necessary. These new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids enable consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist. 

“Reducing healthcare costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One, and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable healthcare access for millions of Americans in need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.”



What a great way to take down barriers and make healthcare accessible for all!

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [id] => 23
            [date] => 2021-02-22
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => ACC's Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program provides peace of mind during precarious times
            [author] => Anonymous
            [article] => 
I'd like to thank you very much for the Personal Protective Equipment and backup battery the ACC provided for me and my family. You and your awesome Disability Disaster Access and Resources program have provided much needed peace of mind during precarious times. For that, I’m humbled and very grateful. Thank You!  

Prior to contacting the ACC, I was genuinely concerned about what I'd do if the power ever went out at my home. However, it wasn't until recently that it was announced there were going to be scheduled rolling "blackouts," that my concern significantly escalated. I've been a CPAP user since 2010 after suffering viral congestive heart failure. My life literally relies upon its use while I sleep. I began researching options and priced various systems, but ultimately couldn't afford them or concluded they weren't feasible for my home. The backup battery (also a power inverter) ACC provided allows me to power my CPAP.  It can also charge important electronics such as cell phones, tablets, rechargeable flashlights, and laptops. I have incorporated my new backup battery into my family's disaster preparedness planning and feel confident we would persevere through most short-term events.    

I'm a U.S. Air Force veteran with a service-connected disability and also a medically retired (broken back) law enforcement officer of more than 30 years. I live on a monthly fixed income, which makes large purchases difficult. The ACC has restored a previously lost sense of security to my daily living! I'm genuinely humbled. Lauren's patience, compassion, and smooth facilitation throughout the entire process has been a Godsend! I'm forever grateful and thankful.    

 

Anonymous, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate

        )

)
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