Newsroom

LIVING WELL WITH A DISABILITY PROGRAM IS LAUNCHED TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Estelle Richman, Pa. Secretary of Public Welfare joins Theotis Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP, in the unveiling of Living Well With A Disability. (Camp Hill, Pa.) - The Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP), a non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society, unveiled a new, innovative program today that will assist people with disabilities to live well in all aspects of life. Speaker of the Pa. House of Representatives, Dennis M. O'Brien joined nearly 100 event attendees at the press conference in the Capitol Rotunda to offer support for what he called "a visionary and powerfully practical modern-day example of hands joined to forge 'Commonwealth' for Central Pennsylvanians with disabilities." Initially launched in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties, the program titled Living Well With A Disability is a one-stop resource that not only assists people with disabilities to obtain basic services and programs, but also offers access to life-changing opportunities that the consumer may not have envisioned. "Every success achieved by someone who has a disability encourages others to succeed, and I am confident that the Living Well With A Disability program will enhance the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians," said Governor Edward G. Rendell in a letter of support sent to CILCP and read during the press conference. Living Well With A Disability is a free resource for anyone with any type of disability. By calling the free hotline (1-877-TO-LIV-WELL), the person with a disability can schedule a comprehensive, lifestyle assessment with a Living Well With A Disability specialist. The assessment includes questions about the consumer's basic needs in terms of employment, transportation, housing, etc., as well as questions regarding their interests, hopes for the future, goals and dreams. According to Speaker of the Pa. House of Representatives, Dennis M. O'Brien, the Living Well With A Disability program will overcome the challenges associated with referral systems. "As one who has long advocated for those with disabilities, I have seen first-hand the toll that finding - let alone accessing - resources can take," O'Brien said. "Energies that should be focused on meeting challenges and realizing potential often are expended in what can seem like an endless quest to make connection, or to find the right place to ask a question, inquire about a service, or get an answer. I commend the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania for this innovative and truly groundbreaking program." Speaker O'Brien congratulates Theotis Braddy on the launch of Living Well With A Disability. In every situation possible, the Living Well With A Disability assessment is completed by an individual with a disability similar to that of the consumer or a person will provide input through team meetings. Once the assessment is completed, the Living Well With A Disability team thoroughly evaluates the checklist responses and develops a comprehensive menu of service and opportunity options tailored to the needs and wishes of the individual. Not only does the plan assist the individual in reaching their goals, but it also assists them in realizing new goals that can be achieved and outlines opportunities that are available to make their dreams a reality. According to Theotis W. Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP, the Living Well With A Disability program is the first, comprehensive, holistic approach available to people living with disabilities in Central Pennsylvania. "In the past, we realized that there was a lot of confusion as to where people with disabilities can turn to get the information they need about specific programs and services that are available to them...they may call a variety of different resources to obtain information on different issues," said Theotis W. Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP. "Living Well With A Disability provides the only, no-cost, comprehensive, one-stop source in Central Pennsylvania designed to help people with disabilities exceed their lifestyle expectations." The day following the press conference, three, 30-second television spots will air on stations across Central Pennsylvania featuring people Living Well With A Disability. A Web site www.LivingWellWithADisability.org and toll-free hotline (1-877-TO-LIV-WELL) was launched today to generate awareness about the program. About Living Well With A Disability Living Well With A Disability is a free resource for anyone with any type of disability or families of individuals with disabilities. It also serves community service providers, governmental agencies and businesses. From simple requests for more information, to comprehensive evaluations, Living Well With A Disability is the only one-stop source in Central Pennsylvania for countless resources and endless opportunities. For more information, call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL or visit the Web site at www.LivingWellWithADisability.org About CILCP CILCP is a nonprofit, nonresidential organization established for and by people with disabilities and serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. Services are also available to families of individuals with disabilities, community service providers, governmental agencies, and private businesses. CILCP's vision is to empower people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. ### Back to the Newsroom