Programs and Services

Information and Referral services educate consumers, family, and community members about what community resources

are available, as well as coordination of referrals from and to other community agencies or services. Having adequate

Peer Support

Peer support provides the opportunity for one person with a disability to discuss life experiences with another person with

a disability. Ability1st is currently working toward developing a Peer Mentoring Program, which will be made up of

volunteers with disabilities.

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Advocacy

Advocacy is one of Ability1st's core services and an important part of the Independent Living Philosophy. According to

Webster's definition, being an Advocate means one that pleads the cause of another or one that defends or maintains a

cause or proposal. Not only does the agency strive to fulfill this role, but we also educate and train consumers to be their

own advocate.

The agency supports and actively participates in community efforts and local and statewide grassroots advocacy

organizations. We work with bringing about systems change goals by influencing legislation that would effect the disability

community and offer scheduled trainings to our consumers on disability related issues.

Ability1st also offers one-on-one consumer advocacy by accompanying/ assisting consumers to agencies where they

receive different services. Some of the services include supporting them in court, researching their rights on a particular

issue or working with them on understanding their rights with ESE programs.

Sometimes the only barrier between you and independent living is Advocacy!

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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 Carol Cavallaro, M.S.

carolcavallaro@ability1st.info at (850) 575-9621 ext. 228.

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

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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.

One Church-One Ramp Program

This program establishes relationships with churches and faith based organizationsto facilitate commitments of materials

and volunteers to build ramps for persons with disabilities.

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 homemodifications increase mobility, reduce

isolation and offer opportunities for self care, thus maintaining each person's sense of dignity and self worth.

For more information, please contact Patricia Day patriciaday@ability1st.info at (850) 575-9621x234.

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Deaf Services

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 Service

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 Staff Members

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.

Providing ADA information specifically tailored for businesses, civic and human service organizations and the criminal justice

system. In addition, trainings that can provide increased awareness of disabilities through interactive experiences.

For more information regarding this exciting new program, please contact Susan Henry susanhenry@ability1st.info at

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,

A United Way Agency

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

Programs & Services

Ability1st