Community Access Center

Resource Links

The following websites are listed for your convenience. Inclusion of any website should not be construed as an endorsement of, the accuracy of, or support for the information or views expressed by that site. See our Assistive Technology page for Assistive Technology Links.

U.S. Federal Government Websites:

The US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration’s disability Online is a resource for individuals with disabilities seeking information on employment and training related programs and services.

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“The Disability Rights Office addresses disability-related matters, including access to telecommunications services and equipment; hearing aid compatibility; access to advanced communications services and equipment; access to Internet browsers built into mobile phones; telecommunications relay services; the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program; accessible video programming and video programming apparatus (access to televised emergency information, closed captioning on television and television programs on the Internet, audio description, and accessible user interfaces, text menus, and program guides).
The Disability Rights Office provides expert advice and assistance to other Commission bureaus and offices, consumers, industry and others on issues relevant to persons with disabilities. The Disability Rights Office initiates rulemaking where appropriate. The Disability Rights Office also reviews relevant agenda items and other documents and coordinates with Bureaus and Offices to develop recommendations and propose policies to ensure that communications are accessible to persons with disabilities, in conformance with existing disability laws and policies, and to ensure that they support the Commission’s goal of increasing accessibility of communications services and technologies for persons with disabilities.”

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HUD, or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a federal agency that plays a crucial role in national housing and urban development policies and programs. Its primary goal is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and affordable housing for all Americans. HUD does this by administering various programs and enforcing fair housing laws.

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U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.

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California State Government Websites:

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities. CalFresh is the largest food program in California and provides an essential hunger safety net. CalFresh is federally mandated and in California, is state-supervised and county-operated. CalFresh benefits can help buy nutritious foods for a better diet. CalFresh benefits stretch food budgets, allowing individuals and families to afford nutritious food, including more fruit, vegetables and other healthy foods. The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on household size countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities. The program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT cards.

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The Commission serves as “the principal advocate in the state on behalf of older individuals, including, but not limited to, advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and regulations made by state and federal departments and agencies relating to programs and services that affect older individuals.” As such it is the principal advisory body to the Governor, State Legislature, and State, Federal and local departments and agencies on issues affecting older individuals in order to ensure a quality of life for older Californians so they may live with dignity in their chosen environment.

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Information and resources to serve the unique needs of persons with disabilities so that each person will meet or exceed high standards of achievement in academic and nonacademic skills.

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The SILC is an 18-member council, appointed by the Governor, to represent persons with disabilities throughout the state and charged with:
  • Determining the allocation of federal funds for independent living;
  • Advising the Governor and Legislature about issues impacting persons with disabilities in California;
  • Creating projects and moving forward ideas that will enhance the ability of people with disabilities to live independently;
  • Assuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws governing independent living.

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The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services.”

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Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) applicant/consumer rights and remedies.

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Riverside County Websites:

The Riverside County Office on Aging serves to promote and support a life of dignity, well-being and independence for older adults and persons with disabilities.

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“With over 4,000 employees, we support working class individuals and families who are struggling with low income. We offer access to health care coverage, temporary financial assistance, employment programs and training, and services that protect children and adults from abuse and neglect. We do all of this through our five divisions: Administration, Adult Services, Children’s Services, Self Sufficiency, and Fiscal and Forecasting.”

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The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACR) is a public agency chartered by the State of California to administer the development, rehabilitation or financing of affordable housing programs. The mission of the Housing Authority is to transform and promote healthy, thriving communities, re-ignite hope and restore human dignity through the creation and preservation of high quality and innovative housing and community development programs which enhance the quality of life and revitalize neighborhoods to foster self-sufficiency.”

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Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health exists to provide effective, efficient, and culturally sensitive community-based services to severely mentally disabled adults and older adults, children at risk of mental disability, substance abusers and individuals on conservatorship that enable them to achieve and maintain their optimal level of healthy personal and social functions.

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RTA is the Consolidated Transportation Service Agency for western Riverside County and is responsible for coordinating transit services throughout the approximate 2,500 square mile service area, providing driver training, assistance with grant applications and development of Short Range Transit Plans (SRTPs).

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Other Independent Living Centers

The mission of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers is to increase access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities by building the capacity of Independent Living Centers.

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“Rolling Start, Inc. is a community-based not for profit disability organization established in 1977. We serve San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties.”
Our Services include but are not limited to:
  • Information & Referral
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Systems & Individual Advocacy
  • Peer Advising
  • Housing Referrals
  • Personal Assistants
  • Assistive Technology
  • Device Lending Library
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National Organizations

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. More than 100 million Americans are 50 or older, and people want their money, health, and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.”

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The CP Research Network values those with CP and their parents/caregivers, which is why the Cerebral Palsy Research Network has comprehensive educational website and downloadable materials such as the CP Toolkit and Wellbeing Guide. These free guides support families and caregivers with a CP diagnosis, in addition to offering guidance on raising a family member with CP. Research surveys and clinician-led webinars are offered as an interactive way for the community to participate and stay informed on current CP studies.

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The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.

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With offices in Berkeley, New York, and Chicago, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is the leading national nonprofit disability rights legal center.

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The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)

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Local Organizations

TASK helps families navigate special education, disability services and assistive technology. We provide families with emotional support, information, and direction. When needed, we refer them to other agencies for additional services.  Our goal is to promote cooperation between families and schools to help kids succeed.

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Serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

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Other Useful Resources

“If you or someone in your household requires the regular use of electrically powered medical equipment or other qualifying medical devices, you may be eligible for our Medical Baseline Allowance program. This program provides an additional 16.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day. Provided at the lowest baseline rate, this helps offset the cost of operating the medical equipment.”

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Informative article by Jillian Day.

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Informative article by Jillian Day.

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Informative article by Jillian Day.

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Informative Article by Jillian Day.

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Provides information on many different housing resources in the Riverside County area.

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Informative article by Jillian Day.

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Paying for college is a complicated process that raises many questions for any aspiring student. For students with a disability, those questions are even more complicated. The good news is that a disability need not bar you from a college education. There are plenty of resources for those who need help applying and paying for it. This guide, designed to work with assistive technology, can help you find these resources. Explore both federal and private financial aid options to maximize your aid. Aspiring students with disabilities can also use our table of contents to find the best scholarships for them.

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Let Us Help You!

Community Access Center never charges a fee for services provided.

Investigation of discrimination claims and mediation on behalf of people with disabilities in order to resolve conflicts that impede the attainment of needed benefits and services.

Consumer Rights Notification

Every consumer of the Community Access Center has the right to appeal any decision which denies you service. (NOTE: The appeal must follow certain guidelines and time limitations; ask your service provider for a copy of the procedure) If you desire representation in addressing your concerns/dissatisfaction with the Community Access Center (CAC), you have the right to contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for assistance. Contact the CAP at 1(800) 776-5746, (and for the hearing impaired their TTY 1(800) 576-9269), and you will be referred to a Client Assistance Program not connected with CAC. This will prevent any potential conflict of interest.

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