Voices & StoriesInvolving family in emergency planning reduces anxiety
By Anonymous • Posted on February 3, 2021
How has the Disaster Access and Resources Program changed your life?
It’s made me realize I could be better prepared. Even with past training it’s good to update and change things. It’s important to start if you don’t have a plan especially with everything going on right now. If an emergency happens I want to make sure I have everything I need. I’m very appreciative of the plan. Once we sit down with our family members and friends we want them to all sit down and disaster plan too.
How do you feel about how ACC has helped you prepare for disasters and emergencies? How did you feel before?
I feel more than I expected. I didn’t know you offered these types of things. I thought I would have to do research but it was easy to do it with one person and one agency. Especially for someone with anxiety issues researching multiple agencies can be overwhelming for somebody.
I was not ready but now I am.
-Dominique, Consumer of Lauren Utterback, Independent Living Advocate
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[id] => 14
[date] => 2021-02-01
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => ACC's AT Coordinator assists a consumer in obtaining a wheelchair ramp
[author] => Anonymous
[article] =>
ACC's Assistive Technology Coordinator, Tamarr, helped one of our consumers to get a wheelchair ramp for her front door. Since she moved into her house about 3 months ago, she has been unable to leave and has relied on the support of friends and family due to access issues. Check out the video below to learn more about how this ramp has changed Monique's life!
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[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!
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[id] => 25
[date] => 2021-02-24
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Computers Are Crucial to Connection
[author] => Anonymous
[article] =>
Mr Romero received his computer in January and has been using it for a month. Before COVID 19, he did not have a use for a computer, just his phone. He could go and meet people in person. Now, he uses the computer to join meetings with other veterans and join classes with other service providers. He called his computer my ’best friend.’ Mr. Romero is so grateful that he is able to share this life experience with friends. He suggests our programs to other people with disabilities in need. Because of this program, he feels his overall well-being has drastically improved; he now has a connection with the outside world that he did not have prior to receiving his computer.
Testimonial from M. Romero, a Simi Valley resident and consumer of Jaydon Gaines - Community Living Advocate
