DAC SERVICES OFFERED

 
Programs and Services are focused on the primary belief that all persons, despite age, type or nature of disability, have the right to make informed choices regarding their lives.
 

Four Core Services

 
1) Advocacy

DAC provides encouragement and skill training so people can better represent themselves and their needs.  DAC also provides an educational component to assist people with disabilities in understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the community at large.

 
2) Independent Living Skills

Life skill classes support people with disabilities in developing necessary abilities to further control their lives.  A product of life skill classes is an increase in self-confidence and esteem, allowing for fuller participation in community activities.

 
DAC has historically offered classes in domains such as the following.

 
Assertiveness                            Time Management
Communication                         Personal Protection
Money Management                Meal Planning and Nutrition
Community Resource Identification

 
3) Peer Counseling

Peer support engages people to serve as a role model, teacher, mentor, or maybe just a friend.  The concept of peer counseling is linked to DAC’s belief that people with disabilities are the experts when it comes to their needs and issues. 
 

A Peer Supporter can listen, share options about a need or problem, and offer a benefit of personal experience in coping with a disability.

 
4) Information and Referral

DAC maintains a database of resource information, a library of literature, and an inventory of other community agencies and supports. 

 
Current information about the following topics is available by speaking with staff, or through research at our office.

 
Assistive Technology,   Housing,  Benefits, Transportation and Employment

Referrals are made to outside sources for urgent needs such as: eligibility determination, health crises or homelessness.

 
 

DAC Services and Education for the Community

 
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

Advocacy and support during IEP meetings are available for families desiring to learn how to be their child’s strongest advocate within the school system.

 
Disability Sensitivity Training

This training is offered to groups desiring to learn more about disabilities, inclusion and what equality really means.

Training is offered for the community to learn about the disability law which affects equal access to programs and services.  ADA is a Federal Civil Rights Law that affects everyone in a community.  Learn how the law applies to you and what your responsibility is.

 
Other Community Education

DAC also provides a wide range of other community educational topics.  Call the Columbia office for more details.

 
 
Get Involved in the Heart of Our Organization

Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Share your energy, time, and talents in a concerted effort to better the community, workplace and world for someone else. Contact the DAC office nearest you.

 
 
Donate To A Worthy Cause

Donations to DAC for consumers are appreciated and are tax deductible. 
Current needs include the following:
1. Medical equipment, such as shower chairs, walkers, quad canes and portable ramps in good condition.
2. Microwave
3. Full size couch, love seat and upholstered chairs
4. Accessible van or small bus and compact size car
5. Televisions – 19" minimum
6. Personal care items, such as shampoo, comb & brush, toothpaste & brush, mouthwash, deodorant and soap
7. Men and ladies’ clothing, shoes, socks, coats, etc. 8. Monetary donations

 
Please call either of the DAC offices if you have items in good and useable condition.  Monetary donations can be mailed to the Columbia office made payable to Disability Action Center. Donors will be recognized in DAC’s newsletter.