The Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) program offers numerous consumer directed services to individuals with disabilities that are not available from other local service providers and are key elements to a healthy community.
Independent Living Skills Training:
SAIL staff work one to one and in small groups to teach independent living skills. Activities may be as simple as cooking, budgeting, phone use following vision loss, or as complex as training in the use of voice-activated software.
Advocacy:
SAIL is committed to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities and training people to advocate for themselves.
Information and Referral:
The SAIL Sitka office is a community-based information and referral center. Staff is knowledgeable about community agencies and services and makes referrals to the appropriate resource(s) available in Sitka. Often individuals with disabilities need additional help learning how to navigate the system.
Benefits Counseling:
The Sitka office employs a certified Benefits Counselor who provides assistance in understanding Social Security work incentives to help individuals make informed choices about employment.
(SAIL continued from Front Page)
Disability Awareness and Education:
Provides school and workplace training about disability etiquette and awareness, assistive technology and ADA compliance.
Outdoor Recreation and Community Access (ORCA):
Therapeutic recreation service designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in Sitka. Recreation is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation and life-long well- being. Recreational opportunities improve mobility, increase self-confidence and develop specific skills. These benefits promote employment opportunities, social integration, spiritual peace and physical independence. Need-based scholarships and stipends are available to participants.
Consumer Service Fund:
Provides funding for home modifications, assistive technology and other needed services to become or remain independent at home or in the community. The CSF is a funding source of last resort. As such, it is SAIL’s responsibility to seek out other funding before submitting the completed CSF application to our Review Committee.
Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment Loan Closet.
The Loan Closet serves several purposes and is available to the community at large. Assistive technology and adaptive equipment is expensive and one size does not fit all. When people are newly disabled they need the opportunity to ‘try out’ equipment before purchasing it to make sure it will meet their needs. Often individuals are only temporarily disabled and only need equipment for a short time. The loan closet will house wheelchairs, crutches, transfer and shower benches as well as a host of other equipment that will greatly increase the independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities living in Sitka.
Contact:
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
210 Lake St., Ste B
747-6859