| BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John-Paul Berlon
President
Jason Wilson
Vice President
Kim Harrison
Secretary
Mark Schreiber
Treasurer
Cheryl Brackin
Richard Graham
Barry Helmey
Stuart Klugler
Dr. Frank Lala
Billy Searles
Jodi Whitaker
LIFE STAFF
Fran Todd
Executive Director
Susan Dawson
Assistant Director
Shawana Bulloch
Bob Habas
Denise Howard
Mark Swift
Independent
Living
Coordinators
Sallie McClelland
Accountant
Jean Iaderosa
Marketing
Coordinator
SECOND LIFE STAFF
Debbie Wilson
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| WHO WE ARE
Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE), Inc., is a non-profit advocacy organization operated by and for people with disabilities. We embrace the independent living philosophy, the core concepts of which are: consumer control, self-advocacy, community change and cross-disability participation. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of disability, has the right to make his or her own informed decisions.
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Disability Employment:
Getting Back to Work Power Lunch & Presentation
When:
Wednesday,
September 26, 2012
Time:
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
RSVP:
No later than 9/19
Email Denise Howard or
call 912-920-2414/
800-948-4824
Location: LIFE Office, 5105 Paulsen St., Ste. 143-B
Savannah, GA
Do you have a disability and want to find work? Come learn about the employment opportunities available with the help of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Learn who they are, what they do and how they can help you achieve your employment goals. Get all of your employment questions answered. Get to know your VR counselor over lunch, and learn how to navigate the system. Find out who to call and what to do next, and network with other like-minded individuals.
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Quick Links...
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Americans with Disabilities' 22nd Birthday
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Guests lined up for the delicious buffet.
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Many thanks to the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens for donating use of their pavilion on Highway 17 and CaneBrake Road in Savannah for a celebration of the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 25. Seventy people joined in the festivities which included an outstanding BBQ dinner and a scrumptious cake donated
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There was lots of food and outstanding company.
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by Joe's Homemade on Waters. The Savannah-Chatham Council on Disability Issues and Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision volunteered help that day. Judging by the smiles on everyone's faces, the event was a success!
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ADA and LIFE enthusiasts came out in large numbers.
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On July 11, Wayne Dawson, Director of the Savannah-Chatham Fair Housing Council, facilitated a workshop that focused on the Fair Housing Amendments Act: Using Reasonable Accommodations (RA) and Reasonable Modifications (RM) to improve access. Information provided proved highly beneficial to those in attendance. |
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 Critical Information from Chatham Emergency Management Agency
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) announces a new telephone line for residents seeking information regarding re-entry into Chatham County when they evacuate due to a hurricane. Following an evacuation, any Chatham County resident or business owner can call this number to obtain information on when it is safe to return home.
The CEMA re-entry hotline number is 1-855-880-2362 and is toll-free. The re-entry hotline is a valuable communication tool for residents who have evacuated to seek shelter outside of Chatham County. Local media outlets, shelters, as well as CEMA will be distributing information; however, the re-entry hotline is another way for residents to gain re-entry information following an evacuation.
This line will not be used for the dissemination of storm information, damage reports, and other disaster information.
CEMA realizes residents may not need this number now; however, it is hoped they will program it into their phones and include it in their evacuation preparations.
Emergency Warnings on the Go
If you have a cell phone, staying informed just got easier no matter where you are. Click here to go to CEMA's webpage to learn more about the Federal Emergency Management Agency's wireless emergency alert system. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is a national emergency alert system that will allow agencies like CEMA, the National Weather Service, and even the President to send concise, text-like messages to users.
WEA is one of many ways you can receive emergency notifications. Other sources include NOAA Weather Radio, news media coverage, the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts, social media, and other alerting methods offered by local and state public safety agencies.
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New Website Offers Information and Support for Adults with Vision Loss
Are you or a family member having difficulty seeing? Or perhaps been diagnosed with an eye condition such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy? If the answer is yes, you're not alone: vision problems affect 25 million Americans, and are on the rise.
To support this growing community, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation have launched VisionAware.org, a free, easy-to-use informational website for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals. Check it out! |
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Sorenson Video Phone at LIFE Office
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It's easy to stop by the LIFE office at 5105 Paulsen during office hours to make use of the LIFE Sorenson video phone. Above are John and Heather, two regular Sorenson customers, who have taken advantage of this technology for some time. |
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National Council on Independent Living's Region 4
Advocacy Award Winner
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Congratulations to Dave Zilles, Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia board member. Dave recently received a distinguhed advocacy award by NCIL.Dave has served on the board of the Georgia SILC since 2007 and is the parent of a son with significant disabilities. Dave is a tireless advocate who has improved disability policy in the Georgia General Assembly and in state government. He is a tireless advocate and always carries the message of consumer control and responsibility. Please join us in congratulating Dave on his notable national level recognition. |
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Great Attendance at First
Savannah Tolerance Summit
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On August 2, Savannah held its first ever Tolerance Summit at the Civic Center. In attendance were 11 deaf people. Frank Lala, CCAD founder and LIFE board member, delivered a speech which was translated by two interpreters present. Pictured above (l. to r.) are Debbie Barry Barefield; Frank Lala; Mayor Edna Jackson; and Kelly Faust CCAD President. Front row: Billy Searles, CCAD trustee and LIFE Board member.
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