Independent Living Services Available for People with Disabilities

For Immediate Release
Friday, May 6, 2005

Contact:
Doris Neal-Hickerson, Area Manager
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Division for Rehabilitation Services
(817) 923-5080 or (800) 923-5080

The DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services is looking for new consumers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who are eligible for Independent Living Services. The program helps people with disabilities to live independently in their own home and continue to be active in their community. Services are based on the individual's needs and include wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, vehicle lifts, as well as home modifications such as bath equipment and ramps.

Over the years, the Independent Living Services program has helped hundreds live more independently in the community.

• The program provided a communication device to a 32-year-old man who was unable to speak due to a severe brain injury. With the augmentative aids attached to his power wheelchair, he is able to talk with friends and take classes at community college.
• Bathroom equipment, including a shower chair, grab bars and hand held shower, allowed a 24-yearold man with a spinal cord injury to handle his self-care needs.
• Hearing aids helped a 75-year-old woman who had been reluctant to participate in family and church activities because she could not hear. After receiving the aids she remarked, "I can now hear the sermon at church!".

If you or someone you know has a significant disability that results in a substantial impediment to their ability to function independently in the family and/or in the community, call DARS at 800-923-5080. A counselor will work with you to determine if the Independent Living Services program is right for you, your family member or friend.