We are your Center for Independent Living serving Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Franklin, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties in the Florida panhandle.
The Disability Resource Center is a member of FACIL, the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living.
Due to our small staff size, most services are provided by appointment.
Core Services
Independent Living Skills Training: Instruction and skill building for living independently with a disability. Topics may include cooking, budgeting, transportation and social skills training.
Information and Referral: Community infromation and referral assistance to other organizations and egencies to help persons with disabilities.
Peer Support: Persons with disabilities helping and supporting other persons with disabilities.
Advocacy: Educating consumers about the rights of persons with disabilities, assisting individuals in learning laws to self-advocate and work within the system to bring about change.
Other Programs
Loan Locker
This program allows consumers to borrow equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or other necessities; and businesses can borrow equipment as well to make any event handicap accessable.
FTRI
The Disability Resource Center is now a dsitribution point for Florida Telecommunication Relay, Inc (FTRI). The specialized telephone equipment and ring signaling devices provided through this program are loaned to all qualified permanent Florida residents for as long as the need it at no charge.
Social Security
Helping consumers apply for Social Security benefits by assisting the consumer in gathering all necessary forms and documents.
Nursing Home Transition
The DRC is working with DCF, AHCA, and the Department of Elder Affairs to transition people up to the age of 59 out of nursing homes and back into the community. This program will let people live in the community independently and save the State of Florida much needed revenue.
Services are available to all persons with disabilities and their families. We are commiteed to collaborating with other disability/consumer-focused organizations in our community. For more information, please contact us.