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hi, my name is jeff and my partner misha has an incomplete spinal cord injury. she fell out of a tree when she was 18, so since she hadn't worked much, her social security benefits are quite low, like $750/month. i have heard there are some amazing resources out there but it's quite daunting trying to find anything. if anyone has already experienced these challenges and has any advice, i'd be hugely grateful. we are interested in college scholarships, rehab, housing, whatever. we are in santa cruz, ca and it's fairly expensive to live here. thanks!
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California
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Re: resources
Mon, January 26, 2004 - 7:18 PMShe can try the local Independent living center:
Central Coast CIL 340 Soquel Ave., Suite 115
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Ph: 408-429-9969
from: www.ilusa.com/links/ilcenters.htm#CA
Independent Living Centers are typically non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities.
She should also look up Vocational Rehabilitation www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/
The ILC should have loads of info, but their services vary. VR has a federal mandate to help people with disabilities get employable.
Check out mouthmag.org for some great advocacy and inspiration.
Good luck . . . -
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Unsu...
Re: resources
Sat, June 17, 2006 - 7:42 PMHmm, do you know of anyone who's tried applying for grants (either private or state or federal) as to try to find a way to fund a possible dream of an alternative education or vocational training.
Looking on the Vocational Rehab site it seems that the focus is becoming employed or going back to work. It doesn't say much about what kind of education programs are approvable or if you you have any leeway about making much choice in the process. -
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Unsu...
Re: resources
Sat, June 17, 2006 - 8:18 PMWhy I'm asking is I find myself contemplating what to do now that life seem to have thrown another lemon so I may begin taking the steps to make lemonade.
I'm just trying to find inspiration, I have an idea of what I would like to do, what education it would take, I even know how much it costs, even took some classes there when I was much younger and had the go get 'em attitude in spite of it all. Even now I find the idea lifts my spirit and makes me look foward to continuing onward.
I don't think I even though about trying searching out independant living resources for adovacy in all these years until recent events made it abundantly clear.
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Unsu...
Re: resources
Fri, October 20, 2006 - 4:59 PMToday I went over to my local state vocational rehabilitation office to drop office an application for services. I found out things had changed in subsquent years since the 90's. In order to be considered for scheduling an appointment for intake interview one has to now attend a group orientation (informational) meeting these days in California. A slot was open for 2 months from now just for the group orientation which supposedly lasts for 45mins. Huh?
These days I have a lawyer working to represent me in appealing my claim with SSDI/SSI, already he's got a folder filled with papers, a lot smaller than my overflowing suitcases with various folders, I just had to be different and go for something other than a metal filing cabinet.
My name is in that slot, for I am not what I used to be, and often times that's sad and a bit scary, yet somehow I usually find a way to find a smile or a kind word or two.
May each person's journey something of discovery of their pontentials.
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