Q: What qualifies as a disability ? This is the technical answer: Read the next question to get the short answer if you are seeking to become an ABLE Consumer.
A: The Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Under ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such an impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine."
Neither ADA nor the regulations that implement it list all the diseases or conditions that are covered, because it would be impossible to provide a comprehensive list, given the variety of possible impairments. http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/physical/definition.htm
Q: Do I have a disability? Do I have to have a letter from my doctor to say I have a disability to be an ABLE Consumer?
A. If you have an impairment that limits one or majoy life activities, you do not have to have a doctor's note. We have serval ways to determine disabilities. You do not have to have official documentation.
Q: What do I have to do to become an ABLE Consumer?
A: Call and set up an appointment for an intake. Fill out the paper work, and you are ready to receive services.
Q: Where do I find services in the Permian Basin if I have a disabiliy?
A: If you are unsure, you can call 211, or call the ABLE Center for information, and referral.
Q: What type of services does ABLE Center provide?
A: We have an employment program, we are a Ticket to Work Employment Network, which means if you draws SSI or SSDI, then we can accept your ticket. We are a vendor or DARS, so if you are a DARS consumer, you can select us as your vendor, and if all the above doesn't ring a bell, just pick up the phone and call us, or e-mail us.
Q: But what if I need minor home repairs, or a ramp, or my doors widened?
Like most Non-profits, funding can be an issue. However, we will be glad to help you find an agency that can help.
A Do you use volunteers?
Q: We need volunteers to teach money managment, (budgeting) computers, digital photography, parenting and wellness classes. If you have experties in an area, and can give us evidence of those skill, and if you have never been convicted of a crime, we would like to use you to teach independent living skills classes.
Q. Can I come to ABLE Center to do Community Service hours?
A. Yes, if it was a non-violent crim, and if we have something you can do.
Q. Do you have durable medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs or handheld showers?
A. We can help you obtains those items if you need them and cannot afford them.
Q. I need a good direct care service provider that knows how to get me on medicare and medicade, and can bring services into my home. Can ABLE help.
A. We network with the best direct service provides in the Permian Basin. We will be happy to give you names, and services.
Q. Do you know about services for the blind, deaf, hard of hearing in the Permian Basin?
A. Yes, we do, and we know just where to refer you to get you the services you need.