PIRS
Services
Placer Independent Resource Services (PIRS) advocates
for the rights of people with disabilities, educates the community about disability
issues, and provides services to persons with disabilities to live independent,
productive lives. Any person with a disability is eligible for our services. Services
are free of charge and include the following:
- ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
SERVICES: Assists persons with disabilities to receive AT information, referrals
and services which will enable them to live more independently. Advocates for
improved access to and funding for AT.
- PEER SUPPORT: Recruits
and trains peer support volunteers who are then "matched" with a consumer
requesting such support. Offers support groups around a variety of disability-related
issues including self-advocacy, coping strategies, appropriate resources and improved
self-concept. Peer support generally is provided on a cross-disability basis.
- PERSONAL ASSISTANT REFERRAL: Maintains updated registry by recruiting
and orienting individuals to works as personal assistants. Discusses funding sources,
educates consumers about various employer/employee management strategies and provides
consumers with a list of screened applicants upon request.
- BENEFITS
CONUSELING: Provides information and counseling to consumers about public
benefits, assists with resolving benefits problems and makes appropriate referrals
regarding benefits programs.
- HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Maintains updated
housing availability lists according to type of subsidy and accessibility, including
low-income housing. Counsels about search strategies, appropriate interview questions,
and renter's rights.
- INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING: Provides
information about independent living skills training in the areas of employment
options, mobility training, financial management, personal care, self-advocacy
and use of adaptive equipment.
- INFORMATION AND REFERRAL: Provides
basic information and referral related to assistive technology, local Medi-Cal
providers, support groups, and many other resources and services available to
people with disabilities.
- INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMS ADVOCACY: Assists
personal seeking services from various agencies and advocates for changes in the
community such as improved transportation and housing to better meet the needs
of people with disabilities.
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Seeks to increase
disability awareness and educate about the Americans with Disabilities Act by
speaking, consulting and distributing materials
