access to independence

Main Program Brochure

ACCESS TO INDEPENDENCE (a2i)
(Formerly The Access Center)

Text Version of Main Brochure

Founded in 1976 as the Community Service Center for the Disabled, now Access to Independence (a2i), is a non-profit, consumer-based organization that serves people of all ages with all types of disabilities.
Access to Independence and it’s employees support the IL philosophy, which encompasses the following ideals: achieving full rights and responsibilities of community participation for people with disabilities, and that, people with disabilities who are living independently work with others who wish to become more independent.
Our staff encourages consumers to take an active role in creating and planning their future. Through this active involvement and participation, consumers are empowered to achieve their full potential.

OUR MISSION
Access to Independence through advocacy, education and opportunity promotes full inclusion by empowering and challenging people with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential.

CORE SERVICES
Individual and Systems Advocacy
Information & Referral (I&R)
Independent Living Skills Training
Peer Counseling
Housing Assistance
Personal Assistance
SELF, INDIVIDUAL & SYSTEMS CHANGE ADVOCACY
The Systems Change Advocate works with consumers to alert, train and organize on local advocacy issues. The Systems Change Network together with consumers works to bring about legislative change at a local, state and national level. We address issues such as housing, transportation, budget cuts, health care and other related issues.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Provides basic information and referral about local community resources and services related to people with disabilities.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
& LILIPAD INITIATIVE
Coordinates services to assist consumers to achieve and/or maintain their independence. Works with individuals in the community and within institutions to transition from an institutionalized setting into community-based living.

HOUSING OPTIONS PROGRAM
Assists consumers with information and resources in locating accessible, affordable and shared housing. In addition, assists consumers in understanding and advocating for their rights under fair housing laws.

PEER COUNSELING
Provides advice and support to individuals with disabilities and their families who are coping with disability-related issues.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE (PA) SERVICES
Maintains a registry of personal assistants for our consumers; provides information on how to effectively manage a personal assistant, and how to advocate for their rights with Personal Assistance Services.

HISPANIC OUTREACH PROGRAM
Coordinates outreach efforts to the Hispanic community of the South County. Services focus on information and referral, disability awareness, peer support groups (in Spanish) and cultural issues related to disability.

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) CONNECTION
Access to Independence, in conjunction with Aging and Independence Services, provides education and training on community resources to seniors and younger people with disabilities.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)
Informs individuals with disabilities of vocational rehabilitation programs, projects and facilities funded under the Rehab Act of 1973. Assists in resolving problems in obtaining services.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) PROGRAM
Provides service coordination, public education and outreach as well as information and referral on all types of assistive technology and related services.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Supports the Access to Independence team by working with consumers, agencies and other organizations to recruit and place volunteers throughout a2i.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROGRAM
a2i has created a culturally appropriate and sustainable program of leadership education, training and mentoring to increase the participation of Latinos with disabilities in community organizing for systems change.

SAY YES TO ACCESS TO
INDEPENDENCE
YES, I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT a2i

? YES, I would like to make a *tax
exempt donation of $____________
? YES, I would like to volunteer my
time
? Board of Directors/Advisory
Committee
? Other (specify) ____________
? YES, I would like to make a donation of $30 or more, and become a Friend of a2i, and receive a2i publications and invitations to Special Events.

Name: ___________________________

Company: ________________________

Address: ________________________

City: ____________________________

State: ____________Zip: ____________

Home Phone: ( )_____________

Work Phone: ( )______________

E-mail: __________________________

Please return your form to:
Access to Independence (a2i)
1295 University Ave., Suite # 10
San Diego, CA 92103-3333
For more information please
Call 619-293-3500
*a2i is classified as a public charity under the 501 (c) (3) section of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to our organization are deductible under section 170 of the Code

a2i Promotes Equal Access. The following alternate formats are available: Braille, Audio, Video, Text, Large Print, & Spanish. www.a2isd.org
Please contact any of the locations listed below for assistance:

San Diego
1295 University Ave., Suite #10
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 293-3500 Voice
(619) 293-3508 Fax
(619) 293-7757 TTY/TDD
(800) 300-4326 Voice

North County
209 Broadway, Suite # A
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 643-0447 Voice
(760) 643-0453 Fax
(760) 643-0452 TTY/TDD

Imperial County
400 Mary Avenue - D
Calexico, CA 92231
400 Mary Avenue, Suite D
(760) 768-2044 Voice
(760) 768-0466 TDD
(760) 768-4977 Fax

South County
Service Now available in the South Bay!!!
Please call for more information:
(619) 293-3500 ext. 216 Voice
(619) 293-7757 TTY/TDD

Image
(photo of blind staff member with guide dog)

access to independence

of San Diego

Resources for people with disabilities

Main Program Brochure