Thursday, June 16, 2011

Resource of the Week


 
Self-Help for the Elderly

Self-help for the Elderly publishes the affordable and low-income housing wait list. The list includes features such as amenities, min/max income, and the locations and status of the properties.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Resource of the Week

Image of the EyeNote trademarked logo, an eye in a pyramid.

Free EyeNote Application
http://www.eyenote.gov/


The EyeNote™ application (app) was developed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for the blind or visually impaired to use as a tool to increase accessibility to Federal Reserve Notes (U.S. paper currency). EyeNote™ is built for the Apple iOS to allow the user to scan a bank note and communicate its value back to the user. The app currently runs on the following devices:
  • iPhone 3G
  • iPhone 3Gs
  • iPhone 4
  • 4th Generation iPod Touch
  • iPad2




Thursday, June 2, 2011

Resource of the Week

 

Central City Hospitality House

"Central City Hospitality House has served the homeless community in San Francisco's Tenderloin district since 1967. Through their unique combination of peer-led programs and advocacy efforts, many homeless and low-income people have been empowered to unite their voices to stimulate social change.

The Hospitality House programs include: the
Tenderloin Self-Help Center, Sixth Street Self-Help Center, the Community Arts Program, the Community Building Program, and the Shelter Program. Combined, these programs use a holistic approach to enhancing the economic, mental, physical, and social health of the homeless community. This is done through a wide spectrum of services that include housing and benefits advocacy, harm reduction-based substance use counseling, emergency shelter, money management support, creative expression, and job creation."

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Resource Of The Week


 Dandelion against blue sky
Youth in Transition Toolkit

This website serves as a great guide for young people with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, with information on education, independent living, employment, finances, health care, social recreation, and a page dedicated to resources. The site is geared towards California residents but includes information that may be useful to people in other states as well.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Resource of the Week



Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) embraces the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor force and marketplace; assists in career preparation for and employment of people with disabilities, improves customer experiences for people with disabilities, and promotes the certification and growth of disability-owned business.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Resource of the Week

My Money

The Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC)'s financial literacy education website, www.MyMoney.gov has enhanced interactive features and utility to provide more resources to Americans seeking information that can inform their personal financial decisions. This enhanced online offering is just one of the many steps the Administration is taking to expand financial education and access. 

The many resources on the website offer guidance on important decisions including budgeting, setting up a savings account, and paying for college.  Money management tools include a financial savings calculator, worksheets for establishing a weekly budget and a college preparation checklist, among others.   In addition to resources related to financial planning, the website also provides young adults with the opportunity to improve basic financial competency and understanding. 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Resource of the Week



Disability Blog
http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/

The Disability Blog is a great collection of resources, similarly to our own blog they feature information, events and training opportunities related to people with disabilities. They also feature categories such as 'Emergency Preparedness' and  'Guest Bloggers'. Many of the entries are relevant to people across the country with or without disabilities.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Resource of the Week

 
Tenderloin Technology Lab


The Tenderloin Technology Lab provides residents of the Tenderloin and other nonprofits with important technology and vocational skills that increase opportunities for employment, access to essential community resources, and connections with family and friends.


Established in 2008, the Tenderloin Technology Lab (TTL) formed as a partnership between St. Anthony Foundation and San Francisco Network Ministries to promote technology training and access to residents of the Tenderloin. 
The TTL is a state-of-the-art technology training center with 38 computer work-stations; a wide range of basic, intermediate, and advanced computer classes; one-on-one vocational counseling and technology training; computer repair sessions, and other special events.


On the site you will find a calendar of classes, events and volunteer information

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Resource of the Week

 
Medicare and Medicaid Fact Sheet
http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11306.pdf


This simple fact sheet explains the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, who is eligible, what the programs cover, and  the steps required for getting coverage. This sheet provides a great quick reference for any basic questions someone may have on the topics of Medicare and Medicaid.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Resource of the Week

Long-term Care, Supports, and Services Competency Model
http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/pyramid.aspx?LTC=Y

Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has worked with technical and subject matter experts from education, business, and industry to develop a comprehensive competency model for the Long-term Care, Supports, and Services (LTCSS) Industry. The model is designed as a resource supporting workforce development efforts to prepare the workers who make it possible for the aging population and those with disabilities to live their lives with independence and dignity.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Resource of the Week

Fast Facts and Figures About Social Security cover

Fast Facts and Figures about Social Security

http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/index.html

An annual publication featuring compiled information, graphs and visuals about Social Security to answer commonly asked questions. Fast Facts & Figures answers the most frequently asked questions about the programs SSA administers. It highlights basic program data for the Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability) and Supplemental Security Income programs.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Free Event

You are Invited! Ed Roberts Campus Open House

We have been anxiously and excitedly anticipating the opening of the new Ed Roberts Campus (ERC) in Berkeley and happy to pass on an invitation that we received from the Accessible Technology Coalition for the ERC Open House!
  
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Ribbon-cutting 1:00 pm
Open House and Refreshments 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
At the Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline, Berkeley, California
(at the Ashby BART Station)
http://www.edrobertscampus.org

From the ERC website: "The Ed Roberts Campus is a nonprofit (501c3) corporation that has been formed by disability organizations that share a common history in the Independent Living Movement of People with Disabilities. These organizations have joined together to plan and develop a universally designed, transit-oriented campus located at the Ashby BART Station in South Berkeley. The Ed Roberts Campus now houses the offices of the collaborating organizations as well as fully accessible meeting rooms, a computer/media resource center, a fitness center, a cafe, and a child development center." Go to the ERC website to learn more!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

"DPN Recommends"


Get Smart about Important Changes to Medi-Cal
 
We are so grateful to our organization partners, like the Independent Living Resource Center, who help us get the most important information affecting the disability community to you. Recently, the ILRC passed on a very useful flyer about changes to Medi-Cal that will impacting people with disabilities and seniors. If you would like a copy of the flyer, contact the DPN at (415) 637-2499.

Here is the low-down:
  • If you receive Medicare this does not apply to you.
  • You are still on Medi-Cal but you receive your care from doctors, hospitals and providers from the plan.
  • You do not pay anything to join. 
  • When joining a plan, choose the Plan that your doctors and hospitals work with, even if your doctor is not in the plan you might be able to continue seeing that doctor

There are two ways to enroll. First, you will receive a letter in the mail 90 days before your birthday with information about the upcoming changes, then 60 days before your birthday you will receive an enrollment packet in the mail.   This package will have information about the 2 different health plans you can join and an enrollment form.  You must enroll in a plan during or before your birthday month or Medi-Cal will choose a plan for you, complete the application form and mail it back or call Heath Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 and enroll over the phone. If you get care through a special Medi-Cal program (CCS, GHPP or Waiver) your care for those conditions will not change, you will still have to join a Health Plan.

For more information, contact the Independent Living Resource Center at (415) 543-6222.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Resource of the Week

 NARIC

National Rehabilitation Information Center
 http://www.naric.com/

National Rehabilitation Information Center's online gateway to an abundance of disability- and rehabilitation-oriented information organized in a variety of formats designed to make it easy for users to find and use.

The National Rehabilitation Information Center is an extensive online resource for information relating to physical disabilities. The site includes announcements about upcoming grants, employment, advocacy, benefits, financial assistance, education, technology and more.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Resource of the Week

Going to College: A resource for teens with disabilities


 


Going to College

This website contains information about living college life with a disability. It is designed for high school students and provides video clips, activities and additional resources that can help youth get a head start in planning for college. Through several interviews, college students with disabilities from across Virginia provided key information for the site. These video clips offer a way to hear first hand from students with disabilities who have been successful.

Each module includes several activities that help an individual explore more about themselves, learn what to expect from college and equip them with important considerations and tasks to complete when planning for college.  

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Free Event

Healthier Living
Free 6 - week workshops

Tuesdays, March 1 - April 12, 2011
12:30 - 3pm
(no class on March 29th)
Mission Bay Branch Library
960 Fourth St. (at Berry), 415.355.2838


Wednesdays, April 20 - May 25, 2011
12:30 - 3pm
Ocean View Branch Library
345 Randolph St. (at Ramsell), 415.355.5615


Do you or someone you love or care for have:
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Chronic health problems
Learn how to:
  • Manage pain, stress, and fatigue
  • Be more fit and eat healthier
  • Work more effectively with your doctor and health care professionals
  • Set goals and problem solve to make positive changes in your life 
  • Feel better and reduce your health care costs




Everyone is welcome though space is limited. Pre-Registration is required.
Contact Shelly Glazer, Older Adults Department at city College of S.F. at 415.452.5839 or sdglazer@ccsf.edu
Workshop will be in English. FREE gifts and awards will be given to participants completing the workshop!

Presented by the Mission Bay and Ocean View Branches of the 
San Francisco Public Library

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Resource of the Week

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

The NFCC promotes the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and builds capacity for its Members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. This website has several tools to help consumers plan and manage their credit.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Resource of the Week


Social Security - The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration





Social Security Online

SocialSecurity.gov is a listing of resources, in both English and Spanish, for people currently receiving benefits.  This site contains links to services such as replacing a Medicare card, checking benefits, requesting a proof of income letter, changing phone number or address, and scheduling payments.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Resource of the Week

Career One Stop Worker ReEmployment Portal
http://www.careeronestop.org/reemployment/

Worker ReEmployment is your one-stop site for employment, training and financial help after a layoff. This site contains information on applying for Unemployment Benefits, job
searching, food support and housing assistance for people who have lost their jobs.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Resource of the Week



Asset Development 30-Second Trainings
http://www.dpnavigator.net/pages/AssetDev30sec.html

With tax season underway, this is an perfect time to put our minds towards asset development and financial literacy. This week we're excited to share one of our favorite resources: 30-Second Trainings from the DPN Technical Assistance Program. You only need 30 seconds to learn new information and resource that can help you and your customers gain strategies about financial stability.

It's so simple: Just go to the Asset Development 30-Second Training page and scroll down to presentations 11-20 tailored for One-Stop staff, service providers, and disability partners. This series was created by Miranda Kennedy, Laura Gleneck and DJ Diamond of the DPN Technical Assistance team, NDI Consulting, Inc., and Kevin Nickerson, DPN, NY State.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Resource of the Week



Lenscrafters Gift of Sight Program
Stonestown Galleria
3251 20th Ave.
(415) 566-9292
(415) 566-9187 (FAX)

For someone who needs new glasses, time is of the essence. There are great programs like the California Vision Program and Project Homeless Connect who do offer vision services for low-income individuals, sometimes the wait can be months before receiving the much needed exam or glasses. This week, the DPN learned about an incredible resource from of CVE's excellent service coordinators: The Lenscrafters Gift of Sight Program.

Through this program, an agency may refer one person per week to receive a free pair of glasses and eye exam. To refer someone, fax a letter to the Gift of Sight Program. The letter must be on agency stationery, and contain the person's name and the agency's 501(c)3 federal tax ID number. The advocate should call to schedule an appointment by calling the above number.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Resource of the Week


Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
http://askjan.org/soar/index.htm

Ever worked with someone who you think is an excellent job candidate, but because of their disability, you feel helpless about finding the right job for them? Well, here's the resource to provide a little bit of hope in the scenario -- or at least some options you may have not already considered: accommodations. The DPN has posted a number of Resource of the Week posts about Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and that is just because they are that good. SOAR, or the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource, is a wonderful resource provided free by JAN and it should be your first stop when faced with the previously described situation.

Let's consider someone who has a back condition that inhibits them from reaching overhead. SOAR suggests a 4-step process which includes 1) surveying materials and supplies 2) rearranging storage areas 3) raising or lifting the individual 4) considering products like lifts, reachers and ladders. If you have any question about the accommodations, you can speak with a JAN consultant that offers technical assistance about the job accommodations and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Resource of the Week



San Francisco Food Bank -- Emergency Food Box Program
http://www.sffoodbank.org/programs/get_food.html

In these tough times, we can all use some extra help. As the DPN, we know that everyone faces barriers they must overcome sometimes before making the step towards employment and today we look at our most important basic need: food. The San Francisco Food Bank has a crucial, but little-utilized program called the Emergency Food Box program. This program allows people in emergency food situations to obtain assistance in the form of a food box with a three-day supply for food. They also receive along with referrals for long-term food needs. The boxes are an emergency supply and individuals can receive it once in any one year span. Sounds good, right?

To request an emergency food box for a customer, contact their social worker if they have one. If not, call 2-1-1 to find out the nearest pick-up location. Evictions, cut of stolen benefits, unemployment, sudden illnesses, domestic violence, or release from prison are all emergency situations that your job-seekers may be facing. This type of resource can be a huge relief in a time of challenging circumstances and help address basic needs so that they can move towards employment.