FRIENDS OF THE DISABLED, INC.

Physically challenged is just that......CHALLENGED!!!

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

The FRIENDS OF THE DISABLED, Incorporated in April 1983, was formed to provide moral support and understanding to the newly spinal cord injured as well as help with the purchase of necessary equipment for the disabled who did not have insurance or other resources to cover the expense. We are a non-profit, non-sectarian, interracial organization devoted to helping the disabled realize a useful and more enjoyable life.

THE NEED

Soon after our formation we realized that our initial objective was not broad enough and our aim was too low, for through our contact and work with the disabled we kept getting the same concerns and questions:

It's scary and lonely facing life in a wheelchair!

Where am I going to live?

What kind of work can I do? Who will hire me?

Is there any government help I can get?

How do I survive?

WILL I EVER WALK AGAIN?

It was obvious someone needed to find answers as well as develop programs and services that would address these concerns. What was needed was a resource center and clearing house able to obtain and disseminate information essential to the disabled.

OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

There is never a fee to families for our services and with the help of people like you, we will be able to continue our programs for the physically challenged in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties.

Support spinal cord research in hope that some day a cure will be found.

Help locate housing suitable for the disabled.

Provided assistance and recommendation on the transportation needs of the disabled.

Provide information on vocational rehabilitation and educational opportunities for training the wheelchair confined in new skills.

Make available detailed information on scholarships - grants and loans available to the disabled today.

support recreational and sports programs for the wheelchair confined.

Support legislation calling for the betterment and equal treatment of the disable.

Work with federal, state, and local agencies to provide buildings that are accessible to and useable by the physically challenged.

To serve as an advocate for the disabled and provide information on those problems dealing with the adjudication of claims before government agencies.

We distribute publications of special relevance to the community ( i.e. disability etiquette campaign).

OUR GOAL

Turn our newsletter into a monthly publication.

Establish a rehabilitation service featuring the ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION THERAPY featured on the TV program "60 Minutes."

To establish an adult congregate living facility (group home) in Pensacola.

To provide a "RESPITE CARE" service for the parents and relatives of the physically challenged.

Establish a computer bulletin board with emphasis on the interest of the physically challenged.

ASSOCIATIONS

National Spinal Cord Injury Association (unofficial site)

Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention.

Aquatic Injury Safety Foundation

International Association of Health Service Professionals.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. Volunteer your services. Training is offered to those interested in becoming a part of our volunteer staff.

2. Become a member of The Friends of the Disabled.

3. Become aware of the laws that are pending and let your congressman know where you stand.

OUR COMMITMENT:

Our organization is committed to helping those who turn to us to come to grips with their situation and better adjust to society as well as themselves. This includes social interaction skills, communication, self-confidence, development of a constructive, personal value system and a willingness to contribute to society. It is our fervent hope that as we extend our hands and hearts to those families who are suffering that we may be the vehicle through which hope is imparted to the hopeless....direction is given where there is confusion...empathy where there is lack of understanding.. and good solid solutions are offered for problems which seem insurmountable.

A PLACE TO TURN......

With questions or problems about the rights of persons with disabilities and the services to which they are entitled.

SOME OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As a result of our feasibility study in regards to the needs of the computer resource center for the disabled we presented a voice recognition unit to the P.J.C. Disability Learning Lab and the Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, This allows the disabled to speak to the computer rather than having to touch each key with a mouth stick.

Originated and coordinated D.I.D. activities including the annual D.I.D. Wheelchair Push and was instrumental in getting local and area officials to proclaim an annual Disability Independence Day to focus attention on what the disabled can do rather than what they can't do.

Put on free seminars in the community sech as: Technology for the Disabled, Insurance and Investments, Taxes and the Disabled, as well as others that the disabled community has indicated a need for.

Provided an information and education booth in the Disability Expo sponsored by Handicaps U.S.A. as well as University and Cordova Mall to better educate the public on the disabled and the advantages of rehabilitating, training and hiring the handicapped.

Launched Disability Etiquette Campaign in Northwest Florida, informing the public of the do's and don'ts and myths of disabilities.

Helped organize a wheelchair basketball team in Pensacola.

Helped the disabled and elderly with applications, income taxes, medicaid insurance forms, etc...

If you would like more information about FRIENDS OF THE DISABLED or the Universal Prescription Benifit Plan which can discount your prescriptions up to 40 percent please take a moment to SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK or send e-mail to us at info@thefod.org

LINKS TO OTHER SCI RESOURCE AND INFORMATION SITES

© 2005 Friends of the Disabled Inc.
This Page Last Updated 11/02/05 10:33:57 AM
Page created by T.J. Parker
In memory of a Friend