Discover ACIL’s Information & Referral (I&R) Service
Have you ever found yourself in need of information but lacked the time to search for it or make calls? ACIL’s Information & Referral (I&R) service is here to assist you. This month’s edition of ACIL Happenings focuses on telling consumers about I&R and how to utilize this valuable service.
I&R is a fundamental service provided by ACIL, as well as all Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in the country. These community-based, consumer-controlled organizations aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the information and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their lives. CILs serve as central hubs, offering guidance, support, and a personalized approach to information and referral.
CILs offer current information on a diverse array of disability-related resources, including but not limited to:
– Accessible housing
– Educational resources
– Assistive technology
– Employment opportunities
– Transportation options
– Healthcare services
– Financial assistance
To make use of ACIL’s I&R service, simply call 937-341-5202 and request assistance in locating any specific resource or referral you need. You will likely be connected with our I&R Specialist, Terry Cammack. Terry will take your name and phone number in case of a disconnection, inquire about your needs, and determine if you have already received any resources or referrals from others. He will then strive to find the information you need and will follow up with you via a call or email in a timely manner.
“It’s important for consumers to remember that I do my best to assist as quickly as possible, but I can’t perform miracles or snap my fingers to provide answers,” Terry remarked. “Especially when it comes to locating accessible housing, it’s essential for consumers to give me time to find what they need and maintain realistic expectations.”
In addition to calls for our Recycled Equipment Donated for Independence (REDI) Program, inquiries about accessible housing are the most frequent requests received by ACIL.
“When individuals reach out regarding accessible housing, it’s crucial that they are willing to share details about their budget, income, and preferred location. Without this information, I cannot provide the necessary help,” Terry explained. “ACIL is committed to empowering consumers, but we require their collaboration to achieve this.”
It’s vital for consumers to understand that I&R is designed to assist them in helping themselves. For example, if someone requests legal aid and Terry refers them to Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), he won’t contact DRO on their behalf but will provide the contact information instead. Similarly, when individuals inquire about accessible housing, Terry will share apartment listings or the contact details of rental properties rather than calling or visiting apartments on their behalf.
Consumers can reach ACIL for I&R requests from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you call multiple times regarding the same topic, such as employment, you may be referred to an Independent Living Specialist who can support you in achieving your employment goals. You can learn more about how Independent Living Specialists empower consumers in ACIL Happenings: Independent Living Plans.
While Terry and the rest of the ACIL Staff may not have all the answers, we are dedicated to working diligently to find them for you. Over the past year, we have successfully referred individuals to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities for employment support, recommended RTA Connect for accessible transportation, provided access to Ohio State University’s Lending Library for assistive technology, guided many on the path to finding accessible housing, and handled hundreds of I&R requests. Our resource database is continuously expanding.
Have questions about ACIL’s I&R Program? Want to contact Terry with an I&R request? Reach out to him at 937-341-5202 Ext 110 or [email protected].