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OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND WELLNESS
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An Alpha staff member was walking downtown when she recognized a woman named Sarah whom she had met and seen at many different places all over town. The woman had always been very pleasant and helpful and was usually surrounded by several friends or new acquaintances. But today something was very different as Sarah was alone and appeared agitated and distraught. People looked at her with concern as they hustled by but did not approach her to find out if she needed help.
The staff stopped to talk with her and found out that Sarah was losing her friends, job, volunteer work and the right to ride the bus. Sarah recognized that her behavior had changed and was causing her world to collapse around her but she didn’t know what to do. She rung her hands and quietly asked for help as if it was somehow undignified to do so.
As a result Sarah was referred to the Alpha Wellness Program. She was quickly referred to a psychiatrist with training in developmental disabilities who determined it was only a slight change in medication that was needed to get Sarah back on her feet. Sarah then was provided counseling and training in life management skills that helped her to discover new tools that will keep her from reaching such a low point again. Her coping skills have improved with the proper medication and she now has a support system that has helped her improve her living situation, find a job she likes better, regain her volunteer positions, and once again be embraced by her community that she loves so much. |
Sometimes a little compassion and simple solution is all that a person needs live a full life as a “well-being”.
The statutes, regulations and procedures which govern the delivery of service system for individuals with developmental disabilities in California are complex, frequently changing and often confusing. In order to help ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the services they require and the benefits to which they are entitled, Alpha Resource Center has established and maintains an Office of Advocacy. Generally, individuals with disabilities and/or their parents, family or friends are able to advocate successfully for their needs and interests. In addition, there are numerous agencies and organizations within the delivery of services system which have an advocacy role. However, it is when these resources are insufficient or have failed that the Alpha Resource Center Office of Advocacy comes into play.
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In many cases, the advocate will be able to provide information and/or make a referral to enable the individual to resolve problems simply and directly. In other cases, more direct intervention is required. In these instances, the services of an advocate may be requested.
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Requests for information and/or referral may be made simply by contacting the Office of Advocacy. Requests for services of an advocate are initiated by the submission of a completed Request for Advocacy Services and Consent for Release of Information form.
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A request for advocacy service may be initiated by any party representing the person with a developmental disability; however, the request for service form must be signed by the individual with disabilities if s/he is over the age of 18, or by the party who has been assigned the legal authority over the individual's personal affairs (Guardian/Conservator). No intervention by Alpha Resource Center can be initiated until appropriate authorization from the responsible party/parties has been received. In addition, the completed Request for Advocacy Services form should specify the objective(s) it is hoped that the advocacy services will help to achieve.
Currently Alpha Resource Center does not charge any fees for services provided through its Office of Advocacy; donations to the advocacy program are, however, gratefully accepted. To be eligible to receive advocacy services, an individual must reside within South Santa Barbara County and have a developmental disability. Alpha Resource Center reserves the right to evaluate all requests for services with respect to the appropriateness of objectives and in accordance with service priorities established by the Board of Directors. Any advocacy service will be focused solely on the best interest of the individual with developmental disabilities, regardless of the party initiating the request.
If you have any questions regarding the Alpha Resource Center Office of Advocacy, or would like additional information, please call 805-683-2145.
Contact:
Rick Seward, Advocacy Consultant
805-683-2145, x123
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