Our AccesSolutions activities help people lead more independent lives by providing equipment and resources that promote accessibility. Examples of modifications and equipment provided include ramps, lifts, stair glides, vehicle modifications, grab bars, roll-in showers and adaptive technologies such as Environmental Control Units.
Specific programs include:
Beginning in 2005 CIL partnered with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to provide modular ramps to income-eligible people with disabilities in the Greater Hartford area. From 2005-2009 we received $230,000 from the Hartford Foundation and have provided ramps to 50 people with these funds. Because these ramps are portable we are able to reuse ramps when they are no longer needed by their original recipients. If you would like to be on our waiting list for a modular ramp, please contact Fran Mazzarella at fmazzarella@cil.org. Ramps are now funded through donations and with proceeds from our golf tournaments.
Environmental Control Units (ECUs)
Environmental Control Units are a proven assistive technology that provides unprecedented independence to people with quadriplegia. Through a computerized menu selection process, users can use these units to control electrically-powered devices throughout their homes. They are mounted on the wheelchair or harnessed directly to the person and are operated by a variety of means depending on the nature of the disability, including voice recognition, eye blinking or a “puff and sip” straw. Typical target devices that are managed with the ECU by the person with the disability include audio systems and televisions (channel, volume and on/off), lights, telephones, adjustable (“hospital”) beds, thermostats, window blinds and doors.
Grants for Accessibility
The Grants for Accessibility program is designed to help low to moderate income people with disabilities make accessibility modifications to their homes or apartments. Eligibility for this program is determined by total household income, which must be at or below 80% of median income. Grant amounts generally range from $5,000 to $50,000 and are securitized by a lien against the home. We assist the homeowner or renter through the project design and contractor selection process and oversee the renovation, making payments to the contractor as necessary. With funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) we have improved the quality of life for 1500 individuals with disabilities since 1984. This program has a waiting list. If you would like more information or an application please email Fran Mazzarella, Housing Developer, at fmazzarella@cil.org
CIL has conducted two Ramp Camps, in which a skilled crew of CIL employees devotes a day to build a custom wood ramp at the home of a person in need.
Fundraising
Each September we hold a charity golf tournament to raise unrestricted funds for accessibility. Over the past 21 years we have raised more than $820,000 for this purpose. We are grateful to the many businesses and individuals that sponsor and support this event. Sponsors are recognized prominently with tee signs and in the Dinner Program. More than 100 golfers participate in this event which is held at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, CT. If you would like more information about the Golf Tournament, would like to become a sponsor or be added to the mailing list please email Don Neel, Vice President, Administration and Finance at dneel@cil.org.
Donations
In addition to golf proceeds, donations provide an essential source of unrestricted funds to provide accessibility services to people with disabilities who are not eligible for other programs. We are very proud and pleased that during 2011, as in most years, 100% of our Board of Directors and 100% of our employees made personal donations of money to AccesSolutions. If you would like to donate, please contact Don Neel, Vice President, Administration and Finance at dneel@cil.org or at (860) 509-6747.