The agency provides a variety of social services for people who have disabilities who live in the Southeast area of Los Angeles County. Services include assistive technology loans, benefits, issue, and legislative advocacy; housing assistance; independent living skills instruction; home barrier evaluation/removal service; peer counseling and support groups; and Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Sensitivity training. The service area is restricted to the cities of Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Boyle Heights, Cerritos, City Terrace, Commerce, Cudahy, Cypress Park, Downey, Eagle Rock, El Monte, El Sereno, East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Lynwood, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Montecito Heights, Monterey Hills, Monterey Park, Mt. Washington, Norwalk, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temple City and Whittier.

Assistive technology loans are available for a variety of products including braille printers, pencil grips, text to speech software, wheelchairs, grab bars, tape recorders, accessible computer systems, velcro devices, one-handed can openers, and TTY machines.

Home barrier evaluation provides home modifications services for seniors and people who have disabilities who live in the cities of Downey and Whittier. It provides modifications to install ramps, widen doorways, lowering thresholds; install hand held shower hoses and adjustable shower chairs; installing stair markings, smoke detectors, accessible locks, door openers, handles, peepholes and doorbells; repairing broken windows and screens; installing security lights and night lights; and installing accessible gas shut-off valves.

Advocacy services include assistance in applying for SSI, SSDI, Medi-Cal and Medicare. In addition, the agency provides assistance with housing applications through the Section 8 program. A list of available housing is provided when needed; referrals to homeless shelters and accessible apartments are also available.

The agency also provides support groups and peer counseling services. Peer counseling covers issues related to disabilities. Support groups for persons with a disability and support groups for family members are also provided. The groups meet twice per month.

Independent living skills instruction in such areas as managing a bank account, enrolling in college, personal care and other needs is provided on a needs-basis according to the person’s individual service plan.

The agency also works with community agencies and local policy makers to advocate for the needs of individuals with disabilities. The agency provides Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Sensitivity training. The presentations address some of the myths held by many individuals surrounding disabilities in general and explains the terms and conditions in a non-threatening manner. Presentations can be tailored to fit the needs of any group. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Call the agency for information about its services and application procedures. FEES/PAYMENT SOURCE There are no fees for services.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-5:00PM.