Program Spotlight: C.H.A.N.C.E. Alert Card

Beginning on Saturday, February 1, residents and frequent visitors of Brevard County with autism, hearing impairment, and other communication disorders can sign up for a Citizen Has a Noticeable Crisis Episode (C.H.A.N.C.E.) Alert Card. The individual with a mental or neurological disability would show a law enforcement officer the card during an encounter to prevent confusion about how to communicate. Enrolling in this program may also help a missing special needs child or dependent adult be found more quickly. To obtain a C.H.A.N.C.E. Alert Card, one must fill out a registration form and turn it in along with a photo and supporting documents at one of the five Brevard County Sheriff precincts. For more information, go to https://www.brevardsheriff.com/home/commands-services/community-services/community-programs/chance-card-program/.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office badge

(image via brevardsheriff.com)

Spotlight: Foundation Fighting Blindness

I recently saw a commercial for Foundation Fighting Blindness, which funds research specifically on retinal diseases such as achromatopsia, choroideremia, and macular degeneration. (Retinal diseases affect tissue on the back of the eye internally.) I spoke with a woman who has macular degeneration at a writer's guild meeting yesterday. Foundation Fighting Blindness has raised more than 760 million dollars since it was established in 1971. There are four chapters in Florida, including one in Orlando, where its 15th Annual VisionWalk will start at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday, April 19, at Cypress Grove Park. For more information about the Foundation, go to https://www.fightingblindness.org/.

Foundation Fighting Blindness logo

(image via healthra.org)

Local Center for Independent Living Changes Name

Last year, the name of the Space Coast Center for Independent Living in Rockledge was changed to the Resource Center for Disability Solutions (RCDS). What didn't change in the organization's rebranding is its mission: "to inspire persons with disabilities to lead lives free of systems of self-imposed limitations and cultivate confident self-advocates." RCDS provides transition and transportation services, medical equipment, and technology tools among other services for free (monetary and equipment donations are accepted). It also gives referrals to other helpful organizations. Some clients participate in independent living skills, home modification, peer support, and advocacy programs. I've received home modification services and an amplified-volume telephone from the Center and plan to go back in the future. There's an RCDS office in Vero Beach as well. For more information, go to the new website https://www.rcdsfl.org/.

Resource Center for Disability Solutions

in Rockledge

(image via rcdsfl.org)

What's Your Vision for 2020?

Did you make any New Year's resolutions? Perhaps you decided to go on a diet and/or exercise more. (I plan to do this after I recover from acute bronchitis.) Maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, especially if you're a wheelchair user. Maybe you want to learn more about a certain topic or gain a new skill. You can do this by reading and taking classes. Educating yourself is a beneficial way to spend your time. If your goal is to venture outside your home, go on outings with family and friends, play adaptive sports, or volunteer. These activities can make your life more enjoyable.

If you made one or more resolutions, how are you doing with them so far? If you've failed at one of them, don't be too hard on yourself, and whatever you do, don't give up. Just start over tomorrow as if it were January 1. I hope you will achieve all of your goals this year.

Making New Year's resolutions

(image via forbes.com)