Other Programs

Independent Living: A state of mind, not a place to live

Accessibility Services

Medical Disposable Program

This program provides needed medical supplies and products to low income persons with disabilities. These items include: Ensure, briefs, bed pads, catheters, urostomy and colostomy supplies, latex gloves, etc. These supplies are not traditionally covered by Medicaid, Medicare or other medical insurances.

Loan Equipment Program

This program provides needed durable medical equipment to people with temporary or permanent disabilities, and includes wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, shower benches, bedside commodes, walkers, canes and transfer benches. This equipment is available for loan for a 90-day period. Often, these items are borrowed while the person with a disability is waiting for Medicaid or Medicare to provide long-term assistance.

Ability1st Ramp Program

Ability1st, in conjunction with United Way, and a host of community volunteers, builds wheelchair ramps for low-income persons with disabilities who lack access to their community. These services allow persons with disabilities to remain as independent as possible within their home and community. Ramps and minor home modifications increase mobility, reduce isolation and offer opportunities for self care, thus maintaining each person's sense of dignity and self worth.

Community Living

The Community Living Program Coordinator provides assistance to individuals with disabilities that are currently living in a restrictive setting and would like to live in the community. A comprehensive transition plan will be created to insure a successful transition into the community. Contact Cheryle Owens cheryleowens@ability1st.info

If you have medical supplies or gently used medical equipment that you would like to donate i.e. wheelchairs (power or manual), walkers, transfer benches, or bedside commodes or for more information about the program please contact Kevin Ogden at (850) 575-9621 ext. 106 or kevinogden@ability1st.info.

 

Deaf Services

Providing community and family sign language classes, technical assistance and advocacy for accommodations regarding hearing loss as well as core services for individuals with hearing impairments.

Social Program

This program provides monthly notices about events in the community focusing on people who are deaf or have a hearing loss. The listing may also include events at which needed accommodations will be provided. Ability1st also hosts, plans and collaborates various activities for deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

Ability1st Interpreter Listing Services

Ability1st keeps an up to date listing of interpreters available in our area. The list is available to the community upon request and to all deaf and hard of hearing people in our community. It is meant to be used as a resource to doctor's offices, social security office, etc. when an appointment is being made.

Deaf Services staff are personally familiar with the problems and issues facing people who are deaf or hearing impaired and are able to provide individualized services to address these needs.

For more information, please contact Lisa Ferguson at:

(850) 575-9621 ext.120 (voice calls)
(850) 298-8793 (video phone or voice calls)
(850) 576-5245 (TDD/TTY)

Florida School for the Deaf and Blind
2010 Calendar of Events
 

Community Education

Providing ADA information specifically tailored for businesses, civic and human service organizations and the criminal justice system. In addition, training that can provide increased awareness of disabilities through interactive experiences.

For more information regarding this exciting new program, please contact Judith Barrett at (850) 575-9621 ext. 101 or judithbarrett@Ability1st.info.

 

Mental Health Outreach

Providing on-site outreach at area emergency shelters target homeless and low income persons experiencing mental illness and other disabilities. Services include: intensive assistance in transitioning to and maintaining permanent housing, supportive arts activities, service coordination and crisis intervention.

 

Court Services

Crime Victim Services

Have you or someone you know been a victim of a crime? Ability1st now offers free and confidential services for persons with disabilities. These services include: crisis intervention, ongoing & supportive counseling, information & referral, criminal justice support, advocacy, assistance with filing victims compensation claims, and outreach to the disability community.

Who is eligible for this service? Anyone who is disabled and has experienced a crime, a person who becomes disabled as a result of a crime, a sibling or family member of a person with a disability who also needs support/counseling, and people who are former crime victims - it does not have to be a recent crime to receive our service.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sheri Smith at (850) 575-9621 ext. 113 or sherilynsmith@ability1st.info .

This program is funded by the Florida State Attorney General's Office Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant # V1272.

Community Competency Restoration

As a community partner in Leon County’s Mental Health Court, Ability1st provides competency restoration training, core services and additional supports to persons with mental illness and other cognitive disabilities involved in the criminal justice system. This primarily includes persons with disabilities who are released from jail following their arrest, and are placed on Conditional Release, Mental Health Pretrial Release and/or Mental Health Probation.

For more information contact Sheri Smith at 575-9621 ext. 113 sherilynsmith@ability1st.info