Southeast Center for Independent Living (SECIL)

SCRS formed SECIL with federal and state grants in 1979. SECIL provides independent living services to people with disabilities living in Southeast Los Angeles County. SECIL programs serve 17 cities: Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Cerritos, Commerce, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Paramount, Pico Rivera, South Gate, and Whittier.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is simply the tools and resources used by individuals with disabilities to help improve their quality of life and help them live more independently. Assistive technology comes in many shapes and forms. It can be as simple as eyeglasses, hearing aids, knee-braces, manual and power wheelchairs, or as technologically sophisticated as voice-activated computer systems.

Assistive technology includes a wide array of devices, products, and services -- both high-tech and low-tech -- that allow people with disabilities to move freely, obtain jobs, and maintain their independence.

As a result of the challenges facing many people with disabilities, assistive technology transcends practicality. Not only does it make work or play easier, it makes them possible.

• Braille Printers
• Pencil Grips
• Text to Speech Software
• Wheelchairs
• Grab Bars
• Tape Recorders
• Accessible Computer Systems
• Velcro Devices
• One-handed Can Openers
• TTY Machines

Mel Grant
Assistive Technology Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x18
atcoordinator@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

Benefits Counseling

Applying for financial programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medi-Cal, and Medicare can be confusing and frustrating. SECIL offers a full range of assistance in this area, from filling out the paperwork to providing representation at hearings.

We can help you apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration and Department of Public Social Services. If your benefits are inadequate or have been terminated, we can help you navigate the appeal process.

Jose Solarzano
Benefits Counselor
(562) 862-6531 x11
benefitscounselor@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

Community / Systems Change Advocacy

SCRS provides access to empower people with disabilities to advocate on their own behalf. The mission of our Community / Systems Change Advocate is to empower people with disabilities to achieve full participation in their community through tracking legislation, organization contacts, and systems change advocacy on disability issues. The Community / Systems Change Advocate has a leadership role in the following actions:

• Legislative sessions (bill tracking, opposition/support of bills).
• Federal, state, and local budgets.
• Ongoing threats to the ADA.
• Rapidly changing status of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.
• Local issues within the 17 cities comprising our catchment area.

SCRS is aware of the potential for rapid changes in emerging advocacy issues and recognizes the need to remain flexible. Our mission is to keep focused on various issues that involve the disability community, such as the state budget, health care, accessible and affordable housing, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), the Olmstead Act, and Access. The Community/Systems Advocate evaluates the importance and urgency of these issues and communicates directly with the Executive Director and the Assistant Director. Their evaluation of the issues determines what response the agency makes.

To ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are heard, community education and advocacy is essential. SCRS contacts local policy makers, businesses, schools, churches, and more to get the word out about the needs and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Sandy Chu
Community / Systems Change Advocate
(562) 862-6531 x12
communitysystemsadvocacy@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

Housing Assistance

We provide assistance with locating and applying for accessible and affordable housing in Los Angeles County. We evaluate the consumer’s situation to determine the most appropriate programs according to his or her needs. Throughout the application process, we maintain contact with the consumer and offer assistance and support.

Our Housing Coordinator:

• Provides information and phone numbers for making initial contact with the Housing Authority to Register for Section 8.
• Assists consumers to make any necessary changes for Section 8 with Housing Authority.
• Advises and follows up procedures with the Housing Authority for the Section 8 Program and conventional programs for people with low income, people with disabilities, and seniors.
• Provides weekly Regular Rental Lists and Section 8 listing for houses and apartments within the Los Angeles Area.
• Provides information for accessible housing for the people with disabilities.
• Makes direct referrals to Assisted Living, Board and Care, and Senior Centers.
• Makes direct referrals to Housing Shelters and Transitional Housing.
• Provides information and referrals for tenants to the Legal Aid Foundation and Fair Housing Foundation related to housing violations and disability discrimination.
• Provides evaluations and referrals to obtain assistance with housing evictions.

Priscilla Flores
Housing Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x22
housingcoordinator@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

Peer Counseling / Independent Living Skills Education

Do you need to talk to someone about issue related to your disability? Are you feeling like friends and family don't understand? Would you like to develop skills to manage your finances, prepare for work, take care of your home, take charge of your medical treatment, or interact effectively with others? Our Peer Counseling and Independent Living Skills programs help people with disabilities learn how to manage the day-to-day issues of living with a disability.

Individual Consultation: Talk with us one-to-one about problems you’re having that are related to your disability. The focus is on living with a disability, adjusting to changes, and concentrating on ability.

Family Counseling: Are you and a family member not getting along because of your disability? Bring them with you, and discuss ways to communicate, make decisions, and cooperate with each other.

Support Groups: Support groups give our consumers an opportunity to meet others who share their concerns and to receive valuable information from guest speakers who provide programs or services for persons with disabilities. Topics include Medi-Cal and Medicare, Fair Housing Rights, ADA and Civil Rights, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), Self-Defense, Independent Living Philosophy, Sexuality, and many more! See SECIL Supportive Services for more information on specific support groups.

Independent Living Skills:

• Money Management: Creating a budget to manage financial resources.
• Credit Repair: Communicating with creditors to pay off your bills.
• Personal Grants: Applying for additional services or finances.
• Immigration: Referrals for documentation and benefits.
• Advocacy Referrals: Seeking representation for legal matters.
• Pre-Vocational Counseling: Acquiring job-related training or education.
• Computer Training: Receiving one-on-one computer instruction at our computer classes. See SECIL Supportive Services for more information.
• Renter’s and Homeowners’ Assistance Claims: Applying for benefits to pay your rent or mortgage.
• Access Applications and Appeals: Applying for paratransit services.
• Peer Counseling Classes: Acquiring skills to be a peer counselor.
• Regional Centers: Assistance with applications for services.

Emergency Services:

We have an emergency food bank, and we provide emergency transportation assistance. We have also have an Emergency Financial Assistance Fund. These services are for consumers who experience an unexpected loss of income or benefits and have no other options. Consumers using these services will need to provide proof of income and will be asked to explain the reasons why they need the services.

Sharon Russell
Peer Counselor / Independent Living Skills Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x26
peercounselorils@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

Personal Assistance Services

Most people with disabilities are capable of living independently in their own homes. In order to maintain their independence, some may require assistance with certain tasks. We keep a registry of Personal Assistants who serve individuals with disabilities in their homes.

Personal Assistants provide help with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), oral medication, housework, laundry, cooking, feeding, transportation to doctor appointments, and shopping.

To qualify for our registry, Personal Assistants must first pass an initial application process. We check their references, conduct a preliminary interview, and encourage applicants to register with the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC), which performs an automatic Criminal Background Investigation (CBI). However, Personal Assistants are not required to register with PASC. Only people who have passed the application process are added to the registry, but consumers should inquire about the application results for any Personal Assistant we refer.

When consumers request Personal Assistant referrals, we check the registry for compatible people. We find the best match according to specific needs, gender, location, and schedule. Our goal is to initially refer three Personal Assistants and then make additional referrals as necessary. The consumers then conduct their own interviews and select the Personal Assistants with whom they are most comfortable.

Payment for Personal Assistance is the sole responsibility of the consumer. Some consumers may qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Other consumers use private pay. For more information on IHSS, visit the California Department of Social Services Website.

For more information about applying for our Personal Assistant Registry, visit SCRS Employment Opportunities.

Personal Assistance Services Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x13

[Table of Contents.]

SECIL Supportive Services

Outreach is the non-profit form of advertising. We don't have enough money to lease a bulletin board near a highway, or even to place an ad in the local paper. Instead, we seek out opportunities to speak about our services within the community we serve. We attend networking meetings, give presentations, and host booths at public events. We also have a program called the Outreach Trek, where we visit other human services agencies (such as doctor offices, schools, and churches) and ask them to distribute our brochures to their consumers. We would greatly appreciate invitations to participate in community events or suggestions for places to visit during our Treks.

Outreach Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x13

[Table of Contents.]

SCRS Home Modification Program

The Home Modifcation Program provides free home modifications for Downey and Whittier residents who are seniors or who have disabilities. The modifications remove physical barriers and make participants' homes safer and more accessible. This program is funded by Downey and Whittier Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies, and it is administered by Southern California Rehabilitation Services, Inc.

The home modifications may include:

• Eliminating architectural barriers by widening doorways, lowering thresholds, etc.
• Constructing entry wheelchair ramps.
• Providing bathroom safety equipment (non-skid floor stripping, hand-held shower hoses, adjustable shower chairs).
• Installing stair markings.
• Installing smoke detectors.
• Installing accessible locks, door openers, handles, peepholes, and doorbells on entry doors and patios.
• Repairing and/or replacing broken windows and screens and installing locks on windows.
• Installing security lights and night lights.
• Installing accessible gas shut-off valves.

To apply:

Applications for the Home Modification Program are available at the SCRS office.

Mel Grant
Assistive Technology Coordinator
Phone: (562) 862-6531 x18
E-mail: atcoordinator@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

SCRS consumers may enroll in our Computer Classes. During these classes, students are given one-on-one instruction in the following areas:

Introduction to Windows
Classes will provide an overview of computers, as well as instruction and hands-on practice in Windows.

Introduction to Microsoft Word
Using Microsoft Word, students will learn basic and intermediate principles of word processing. Topics include opening and saving documents, formatting text, and working with tables.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Using Microsoft Excel, students will learn basic and intermediate spreadsheet operations. Topics include formatting data, using formulas, and creating graphs.

Introduction to the Internet
Students are introduced to the Internet when they are ready. They may then schedule appointments to use the Internet. Class will cover accessing the Internet, using basic browser feature, and performing searches on the World Wide Web.

As of May 4, our computer class has internet access available to its participants.

Sharon Russell
Peer Counselor / Independent Living Skills Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x26
peercounselorils@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

SCRS hosts Peer Support Group Meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. People with disabilities and their friends and families are welcome to attend. Join us as we discuss issues that are important to people with disabilities, and meet service providers who offer programs and services for people with disabilities. Topics include Protection and Advocacy, Health and Wellness, Family Support, Fair Housing, MediCal and MediCare Benefits, and more. The meetings take place at 10:00 a.m., at the SCRS offices.

Sharon Russell
Peer Counselor / Independent Living Skills Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x26
peercounselorils@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents.]

SCRS is proud to announce the beginning of an inclusive support group for women with disabilities. As with all our services, this group is consumer-driven; the ladies discuss whatever topics they choose and offer encouragement and companionship to each other. For more information, please contact Sharon Russell at (562) 862-6531 x26.

Sharon Russell
Peer Counselor / Independent Living Skills Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x26
peercounselorils@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents]

Starting June 8, SCRS will be offering a Grief Counseling group on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This group is for men and women with disabilities who are coping with loss.

Sharon Russell
Peer Counselor / Independent Living Skills Coordinator
(562) 862-6531 x26
peercounselorils@scrs-ilc.org

[Table of Contents]