The Center for Independence (CFI) has been serving western slope people with disabilities, including seniors, since 1982. We receive our funds from contracts with state and federal agencies which allow us to provide case management and demonstration services for free. These last few months have showed us that CFI and other human services need to change our service model from facility based to community based outreach. Were deeply concerned about the isolation and personal impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing conditions. The service model of the future will be both virtual and face to face. The obvious gap in this design is access to reliable and usable technology. Smart phones and tablets will be needed more and more to request medical appointments, order food, inquire about pensions, insurance and disability benefits, and communicate with distant family members.CFI can help. We have specialists who can demonstrate apps that enhance visual clarity on a tablet. We have screen reading technology, captioned telephones, and memory supports like Echo and Alexa which can record appointments, shopping lists and repeat telephone numbers. There is a world of opportunity for public communication and personal supports available right now for little to no cost.While CFI is still under limitations from public health, it will not always be so. We will be looking for ways to add more technology services in the months ahead as well as finding funders that will pay for tablets and smart phones. We want to be able to hold peer support meeting again on virtual platforms. To do so means that we will be inviting people who need these tools to remain safe and still be independent in the community to contact us to create a plan for self-sufficiency.COVID-19 has been a wake-up call to us all that the world is a 21st Century operation and we need 21st Century tools and training to continue to have seamless services. Fortunately, we at CFI believe in life-long learning and that there is a solution to the barriers that have arisen. Call us at the numbers listed in our ads or at 800-613-2271 and we will see what we can put together for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Linda Taylor, Executive Director at the Center for Independence. She may be reached at 970-241-0315 or by email at ltaylor@cfigj.org

Located in Grand Junction, Montrose, and Glenwood Springs, the Center for Independence (CFI) serves the needs of all people with disabilities across the western slope. Continuing a life of health, wellness, and engagement as one ages requires regular adjustments and adaptations through the bodys aging process. Living independently in the community late into life is very possible and requires a curious mind and a commitment to life-long learning of new skills. We are your free resource to explore the skillful adaptations and adjustments with tools, techniques, and peers who have life experience to guide the way.Across Colorado, Independent Living Centers, or ILCs, help seniors and their families and friends adjust and adapt to aging in place. As the body ages there is a diminishing of six core functions that many will experience: Hearing, Vision, Mobility, Speech, Cognition, and Self-care. Our unique services have been delivered to Coloradoans since the advent of the Rehabilitation Act of 1978. CFI is one of 9 ILCs and serves 12 Counties on the western slope. We are a non-profit organization, highly skilled and trained in working with seniors and their families to create solutions for a richer, independent life at home. CFI provides community solutions including paratransit, disability benefits, accessible affordable housing location assistance, accessibility training to mitigate sensory loss, support groups, computer training, loaner DME equipment, and specialized services for hearing or vision loss. In the event of a nursing home placement, CFI has transition services to move back into an independent living situation in the community. The transition team ensures a successful move through a comprehensive, multi-agency team approach that addresses risks and solutions.These services are available for free under subsidized government contracts. Our commitment to providing the opportunity to live an empowered, independent life in the home of ones choosing has been ongoing since 1982. To learn more about CFI, check out: www.cfigj.org.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Linda V. Taylor, CFI Executive Director. For further information on the Center for Independence call 970-241-0315 or email: info@cfigj.org

The Center for Independence has computers available for resume writing and basic software skill building practice. We also offer assistance in online job searches and internet literacy.If you are in need of low vision or blind services visit our low vision lab for training and demonstration of low vision equipment and software options.Please call Denice at 970-241-0315 ext. 29 to schedule an appointment or to use the lab.Learn Basic Computer SkillsTraining is individually tailored to meet each persons goals and needs. Our on-site staff can assist with understanding the difference between hardware and software, identifying basic usage terminology, mouse and keyboard skills, electronic maps and basic word processing skills such as resume writing.We offer training for Microsoft Office and other computer programs including:WordExcelOutlookPowerpointZoomGoogle DriveLearn Internet and Browser EducationIndividuals looking for basic information about browsers, internet search systems, how to set up and use email, and how to effectively use the internet to search for information can attend classes or receive one-on-one assistance through the Center for Independence.Adaptive Hardware/SoftwareThe Center for Independence can provide training and resources to consumers in adaptive hardware such as ergonomic keyboards, low vision keyboards, trackball mouse, and trackman marble mouse. Software available includes JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and ZoomText.

Providing opportunities for low vision education, information, self-help, support & building connectionsamong people in our community who have experienced sight loss.Low vision can significantly decrease a persons functional ability and independence. Low vision services may help individuals overcome fears, regain life skills, re-establish community contacts and regenerate self-esteem. At CFI, our Low Vision Program can provide a variety of services which can assist a person in regaining and maintaining their ability to function independently. We work to assist persons experiencing a loss of vision in their efforts to make necessary adjustments to cope with losing sight.CFI offers support groups, assistive devices and skills training for those with low vision and blindness. The on-site low vision lab in Grand Junction is available to consumers for demonstration and training on assistive devices. Our experienced professionals can help you to remain active, live independently and cope with vision loss.Contact us directly to schedule an appointment and discuss what services are available in your area or inquire about support group times and locations.Call: 1-800-613-2271