I wrote this article for The Phoenix on December 15,2006...
Lending a Helping Hand
As a social worker, it’s part of my job to try and hook people up with services in the community
which may be beneficial. I would also like this column to serve that purpose too. Some people
aren’t aware of different services out there, or just aren’t sure how to access them. Hopefully I
can help you out.
There are many agencies out there to help make life easier for those who have a disability. Two
such agencies are the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) and the Institute
on disabilities at Temple University. Both agencies can help you to buy or loan assistive devices
to improve your quality of life.
Both agencies can hook you up with such wonderful inventions such as Teletypewriters, special
adaptions for your computer, amplified large button speaker phones, telephones with braille
displays, signalers (loud ring, lights or vibrating machines), talking keyboards, just to name a
few devices.
All of these modern technology devices are out there to help someone with a disability, not just
on the job, but in everyday aspects of life.
Here are a few phone numbers to assist you:
PATF (Toll Free): 888-744-1938
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University: 800-204-1356
Statewide Independent Living Council: 888-972-7452
Check them out. They can help to make a simple telephone or computer more user friendly for
someone with a disability.
Also call Occupational Therapy at Phoenixville Hospital (610-983-1000), Parkhouse
Providence Pointe (610-948-8800) or Bryn Mawr Rehab (610-251-5400), or call your local
pharmacy for more information on wheelchairs, walkers, canes, transfer boards, commodes,
special shower adaptive equipment and “picker-uppers,” just to name a few items
. Again, all of
these devices can make life easier.
Two other agencies which can provide much needed assistance are Aging and Adult Services
(West Chester 610-344-6350) and Vocational Rehab. (Norristown 484-250-4340). These
agencies can help with anything from education, employment, home health aides, Meals on
Wheels, etc. Please call them to see what they can offer you
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